To mark White Ribbon Day, which takes place every year on 25 November, Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Resident and Community Services Cllr Helen Whitcroft joins Surrey Heath Borough Council officers and Surrey Police colleagues in asking people to be an ally to help ‘Change the Story’ and take action against violence towards women and girls (VAWG).
We are encouraging individuals and organisations to make consistent choices and actions for women and girls, so that they may live their lives free from the fear of violence.
Violence experienced by women and girls takes many forms. Some behaviours and words may seem ‘harmless’ but normalising them ignores the short- and long-term effects and can lead to more extreme violence.
Cllr Whitcroft said: "I am pleased to support the White Ribbon initiative highlighting the important issue of Violence Against Women and Girls.
"Recent figures show there were more than 15,000 offences towards woman and girls reported annually in Surrey, an increase of 3% on the previous year - but the true volume of these crimes remains largely under reported, due the barriers survivors face in reporting.
"I would encourage everyone, and particularly men, to be an ally and challenge the seemingly ‘harmless’ attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence for women and girls. These actions can help 'Change The Story'."
Cllr Whitcroft will join our Community Safety officers and Surrey Police colleagues at Frimley Park Hospital from 2-4pm tomorrow, sharing information on how people can help Change The Story by being an ally and taking action against violence towards women and girls. Council community safety officers and police oficers will also be visiting Camberley town centre to promote the White Ribbon Day initiative from 6-8pm.
How you can report VAWG:
- Surrey Domestic Abuse Helpline - open 9am-9pm daily - 01483 776822
- Surrey Police - emergency 999, non-emergency 101
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247