East Yorkshire Council joins 250 partners in initiative to end violence against women and girls

Officers from East Riding of Yorkshire Council attended a SaferHull event at MKM stadium, on 30 October, to better understand how the council can help end violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The council joined over 250 partners, including councils, charities, volunteer organisations, emergency services, sporting associations, and Humberside Police and Crime Commissioners Office, to discuss the issue.

The event, organised by Hull City Council, included testimony of personal, lived experience about domestic violence, and its devastating effects.

Participants were informed how, in the UK, one woman every three days is murdered by a man, and that 97 per cent of women report being the victim of sexual harassment

Attendees were given an introduction into Active Bystander Training, explaining how individuals can have the confidence to intervene and support victims of VAWG, and change mentalities which encourage inaction.

They were also given a session into Positive Masculinity, and the need to change attitudes amongst men, to structurally reduce violence against women and girls.

The day featured artwork from local children and young people who had been victims of this type of abuse, and a call to action to encourage sign up to the White Ribbon promise.

White Ribbon, a charity, leads the way on ending violence against women and girls and their campaign this year is entitled ‘It starts with Men.’ The white ribbon promise can be made here: Make the White Ribbon Promise — White Ribbon UK

The Women’s Institute Bridlington, supported by East Riding council, will also hold a candlelight vigil at the Christchurch on Quay Road, on the evening of Monday 25 November. It will commemorate the victims of violence against women and girls, and to demand ‘No More.’

Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding cabinet member for communities and public protection said “Violence against women and girls is abhorrent, and East Riding council are dedicated to playing our part in ending this vile epidemic.

“We urge anyone who needs help to contact the East Riding Domestic Violence Abuse Partnership.”

If you are experiencing issues around this topic please reach out. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999 otherwise:

East Riding Domestic Violence Abuse Partnership can be found at https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/living/crime-and-community-safety/domestic-abuse/ or by calling 01482396358

The Hull Domestic Abuse Partnership can be found at https://www.hull.gov.uk/domestic-abuse or by calling 01482 318759