Sefton declares support for White Ribbon Day 2022

Sefton Council is supporting the national White Ribbon campaign's 16 Days of action to help eradicate domestic abuse across the borough.

White Ribbon Day 2022, which falls on Friday November 25th, aims to raise awareness about the challenges — and dangers — women and girls face in day to day life.

The 2022 campaign coincides with the start of the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and campaigners have identified 11 traits people can pledge to show in support of women and girls. 

While the 16 Days of Activism is welcomed by Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, she said it comes at a time when many women and girls will be fearing an increase in cases of domestic abuse.

Previous research has shown that during football tournaments, like in the ongoing World Cup, domestic abuse has risen dramatically.

Figures jumped by up to 27% during England World Cup games and reached 32% when they were defeated. But figures also rose when England won.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “Whether it is physical emotional or sexual, domestic abuse and coercive control that can go with it is unacceptable at any time.

"We fully support White Ribbon Day 2022 and the 16 Days of Activism that follows and we ask men everywhere to recognise the necessity for them to stand up and take responsibility in working towards a future without violence against women.

"The first step towards this is wearing a white ribbon and making the promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

"Right now there will be people, and statistics show the vast majority of them will be women, across Sefton living in fear while the World Cup is taking place.

“Because abusers can be controlling making leaving an abusive relationship very hard, it is vital that friends and family support someone they suspect is being abused.

“Encourage them to speak to you or a professional about what is going on.”

Cllr Hardy said the tell-tale signs to look out for can include the person making excuses for their abuser’s behaviour, a high incidence of sickness absence or a nervousness talking openly when their abuser is around.

She added: “In an emergency, people should always dial 999 but if they want to find out how they can support someone they suspect is being abused, they should visit www.sefton.gov.uk/domestic-abuse.”