In 1991, a handful of men in Canada decided they had a responsibility to urge men to speak out against violence against women. They decided that wearing a white ribbon would be a symbol of men's opposition to men's violence against women.After only six weeks preparation, as many as one hundred thousand men across Canada wore a white ribbon. Many others were drawn into discussion and debate on the issue of men's violence.
There are now White Ribbon Campaigns operating in many countries around the world. The first White Ribbon Day was launched in the UK by Womankind in 1998.
White Ribbon Campaign UK was launched in 2004 to work in conjunction with the work already done by Womankind Worldwide.The White Ribbon Campaign is the largest effort in the world of men working to end men's violence against women. It relies on volunteer support and financial contributions from individuals and organisations.
The White Ribbon football campaign is called “Blow the whistle on violence against women”. The aims of the campaign are to get male role models such as footballers and football managers to wear a white ribbon, to pledge that they will never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
The reason for this is that if a young man sees that his role model condemns violence against women, then he is likely to follow suit.
We also asked the football teams to produce an article in their match day programme, highlighting the issues of the campaign.
So far they have been supported by teams including Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, Fulham, Tottenham, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland and Stoke City.
For more information about the White Ribbon Campaign or Blow Your Whistle on Violence Against Women visit their website here. Or you can email them here.
Please join the campaign in trying to end male violence against women by supporting this event. If you, or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence please do not suffer in silence. Any member can contact the Warbreck Office in confidence on ext 61186/67400 or Norcross on ext 62882/63484.
For support, advice and information you can also contact the following organisations:
Fylde Coast Women's Aid - 01253 596699 – A local branch of Women’s Aid.
RESPECT - 0845 1228609 – For men who feel they are in danger of being violent or abusive.
Broken Rainbow – 08452 604460 – Support for LGBT people experiencing domestic violence.
MALE (Men’s Advice Line & Enquiries) – 0845 0646800 – If you are a male victim of domestic violence.
Women’s & Children Helpline – 0808 2000247 – Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (England) which is run in partnership between Women’s Aid & Refuge.
The Refuge website also shows you how to stop anyone knowing that you have been on their/a website in order to protect you.
