White Ribbon Day 2020

The White Ribbon campaign is part of a global movement to end male violence against women.

White Ribbon UK is the leading charity that is ending male violence against women by engaging with men and boys to make a stand against violence. Their mission is for all men to fulfil the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

Our Trust supports this cause and is proud to announce that we are now officially White Ribbon certified as of November 2020. In addition to this, almost 40 members of Trust staff have signed the promise and undertaken the training necessary to become an official Domestic Abuse champion.  

Ahead of White Ribbon Day, we spoke to our Medical Director, John Byrne, about what White Ribbon means to him and why it’s important to consider getting involved.

Why did you choose to become a White Ribbon Ambassador?

We know that 90% of domestic abuse aggressors are men. It’s therefore vital that men are seen not only to stand with the victims, but to positively role model behaviours too.

Why do you think it’s important that the Trust supports this campaign?

Trust support is important because it gives everyone the opportunity to join in and support this key message. We have to bring everyone together; a Trust approach facilitates awareness but also creates momentum amongst a larger pool of supporters.

What does the White Ribbon campaign mean to you?

For me, it’s about enhancing the prospect for people living in difficult relationships. We need to make it understood that domestic abuse is not acceptable, however, we also need to be realistic and offer practical support to those currently at risk.

What do you think others benefit from becoming a domestic abuse champion?

The benefit is in the eye of the beholder, for me it’s all about making oneself visible to those in need.

What are you doing to support the White Ribbon awareness Day this year?

I decided early on to become an ambassador and promote the campaign through social media. My directorate is also hosting an online event to support the launch.

Do you have any inspiring stories around the topic you wish to share?

I saw the misery of domestic abuse first hand when I was a GP in a practice that supported a local refuge. It was awful to see and hear the abuse that the victims and their children had to endure, and it was clear that their lives had not been easy. Feeling safe is something I take for granted but not something they were able to articulate day by day. The fear was omnipresent and it was the simple gesture of support that gave some comfort.

To find out more about White Ribbon Day and how you can support the cause, please go to https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/.

You can also speak to Sally Bainbridge from our Safeguarding Team to learn more about what our Trust is doing to support the White Ribbon campaign via sally.bainbridge3@nhs.net.