Frome Town Council now has official accreditation with White Ribbon UK, the country’s leading charity working to engage men and boys to combat violence against women and girls (VAWG).
Cllr Anne Hills, chair of the new White Ribbon steering group, said:
“We’re so pleased to have received news of our three-year accreditation with White Ribbon UK. This project began on International Women’s Day in March and we’re so inspired by the work White Ribbon do in this important area. Violence against women and girls accounts for around one fifth of all recorded crime – and that is despite the fact that much of it is thought to go unreported. And it isn’t just in cities, sadly – crime rates overall are lower here, but violence and sexual offences still top the list of reported crime across Frome. I say that not to spread a message of doom and gloom, but to stress that it really is an enormous, urgent problem – and there IS something we can do about it. Our work in the area will be positive and inclusive, inviting the majority of non-violent men and boys to join us and use our collective voice to help. If you’ve got ideas, thoughts or projects to share, please do come and speak to us. Or just explore White Ribbon for yourself, think about small personal actions you can take and take the White Ribbon promise to ‘never use, excuse or stay silent about men’s violence against women.’
To mark White Ribbon Day and the council campaign, Frome’s Christmas tree is decorated with white ribbons.
The council will now create a steering group of staff, councillors and residents to make a three-year action plan for anti-VAWG activities in Frome. Find out more about White Ribbon UK at whiteribbon.org.uk. Share White Ribbon-related ideas or enquire about joining the steering group by emailing info@frometowncouncil.gov.uk.
