Once again this year, North Ayrshire Council joins the worldwide White Ribbon Scotland campaign by pledging to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women.
The campaign runs from November 25, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (also known as White Ribbon Day) to Human Rights Day on December 10.
During the campaign, the Council and community partners across North Ayrshire will join forces to amplify the critical message that violence against women in any form is unacceptable, and encourage others to sign the online pledge at www.whiteribbonscotland.org.uk
The White Ribbon campaign is a worldwide movement which directly addresses men, ensuring they understand the scale of the problem and become part of the solution.
One example of awareness-raising on behalf of the Violence Against Women Partnership that the Council recently supported in was the creation of a Coercive Control YouTube animation – if you haven’t seen it yet, please watch below.
White Ribbon Campaign 2024
This year’s 16 Days campaign asks men to understand their impact and take up responsibility, not the responsibility that lies with the perpetrators, but the responsibility to stand up and speak out about men’s violence against women.
The campaign is encouraging everyone to speak to others in our communities, be vocal about our opposition to violence against women in all its forms, and state clearly we will not condone it and we will not condone the attitudes that lead to it. We can all play a part, no matter how small, to create positive change.
The aims of the Partnership are to:
- Raise awareness of issues around violence against women and girls
- Empower communities to challenge abusive and violent behaviour
- Provide information on the available support services available and
- Encourage support of the key VAWP campaign – White Ribbon 16 Days of Action.
The North Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership brings together partners that have a role in tackling gender-based violence and supporting those who are affected.
It includes the Council and representatives from partner organisations including North Ayrshire Women’s Aid, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The annual ‘Reclaim the Night’ walk will take place this year on Tuesday 3 December.
The walk helps to raise awareness about the dangers to women and girls from sexual violence. It promotes a safer environment for women and girls to walk without fear after dark. You can show your support for victims of gender-based violence by joining the walk.
Meet at KA Leisure’s Portal (66 High St, Irvine KA12 0AZ) at 5pm on Tuesday 3 December. We will provide glow sticks and LED candles. Walkers will make their way to Fullarton ConneXions for soup, rolls, tea, coffee and cake (event closes approximately 6.45pm).
All are welcome and your support will be greatly appreciated!
You can find out more about the upcoming during the White Ribbon 16 Days of Action campaign by visiting:
- @NorthAVAWP on X to spread the 16 Days of Action message far and wide;
- Or, by watching and sharing the Tackling Gender Based Violence video on Facebook
If you are at risk of violence you can contact the Council at any time on 0800 0196 500, or alternatively you can contact North Ayrshire Women’s Aid during office hours on 01294 602424.