Club team up with local council and police to show support for campaign
Ahead of the UN International Day to eradicate violence against women on 25th November, Scunthorpe United are pleased to once again be supporting the White Ribbon Campaign which is the UK branch aimed to rid society of violence and abuse against women in all its forms.
Nationally, it is estimated 1.2 million women experience domestic violence every year and that around 400,000 were victims of sexual assault. Each year in North Lincolnshire, Humberside Police respond to between 190 and 250 calls every month.
We are teaming up once again with North Lincolnshire Council and Humberside Police to help put a stop to violence against women and this year the partnership aims to achieve the White Ribbon Town Award. This is a nationally recognised award that would demonstrate North Lincolnshire’s commitment the White Ribbon campaign and to reducing domestic abuse.
We encourage men to swear on the whiteribboncampaign.co.uk website to pledge never to commit violence against women, never to excuse violence against women, and never to remain silent about violence against women.
Last year many men signed up as ambassadors in North Lincolnshire, but it is hoped this year even more will sign up to be male ambassadors to help drive the initiative forward.
Volunteers for the White Ribbon Campaign will be around the stadium pre-match on Saturday collecting pledges and there will also be further events across the area with council organised awareness raising sessions at the following locations:
• Baysgarth Leisure Centre on Wednesday 25 November from 4pm to 6pm
• The Pods on Tuesday 1 December from 4pm to 6pm – the Police and Crime Commissioner will attend this session
• Ancholme Leisure Centre, Brigg on Monday 7 December from 5pm to 6pm
Representatives from the council’s Safer Neighbourhoods team and Humberside Police will be at the events telling people about the White Ribbon campaign.
Most men are not violent towards women, but many ignore the problem, or see it as something which doesn't have anything to do with them.
Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for Safer Neighbourhoods, said:
“We are urging men in North Lincolnshire to come forward to pledge their support for the White Ribbon campaign and stand up to violence against women.
“This year, we will be out in communities letting people know about the campaign and answer people’s questions. Please come show your support at one of our events or sign up online as an ambassador.
“We recognised that men are also victims of domestic violence and while the vast majority are women, violence against both men and women is completely unacceptable.
“If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone that is, report it to the police. There are plenty of people out there that can offer support and advice.”
Pictured from left to right are Shuhel Ahmed of Pepperells Solicitors, Baroness Liz Redfearn the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, players Dave Syers and Stephen Dawson, Stewart Atkinson from the Safer Neighbourhoods team and Andrew Percy the MP for Brigg and Goole.
For more information and to make your pledge now visit www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk.