The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls

Southampton City Council’s leaders marked the start of White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, on Tuesday 25 November at a flag raising ceremony outside the Civic Centre.

White Ribbon Day marks the start of 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence, running until Human Rights Day on 10 December. During this time, we will raise awareness, share resources, and encourage our communities to take the White Ribbon Promise: Never commit, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women and girls.

This year’s theme, “We Speak Up”, calls on everyone - especially men - to challenge sexism and harmful behaviours that contribute to women’s fears and experiences of violence.

The Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Alex Winning, was joined by the Chief Executive, Jillian Kay, and Executive Director, Robert Henderson at the Civic Centre where they raised the White Ribbon Day flag. Dr. Debbie Chase, Director of Public Health, was present alongside partners from The Saints Foundation, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Yellow Door, and Stop Domestic Abuse. The flag will fly outside the Civic Centre for the next two weeks and symbolises the council’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, added: “As a council we are committed to ending violence against girls and women. We will continue to work with partners to create a Safer Southampton for all our residents. I was honoured to raise the White Ribbon flag outside the Civic Centre. I encourage residents to sign up to the White Ribbon promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about male violence towards women.”

Jillian Kay, Chief Executive of Southampton City Council, said: “While most men are not violent, I’d encourage all men to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours if they experience them. By speaking up, we can create a world where everyone can feel safe and respected.”

Robert Henderson, Executive Director - Community Wellbeing, Children & Learning (DASS & DCS) at Southampton City Council, said: “I’m speaking up this White Ribbon Day because even small, everyday actions matter to prevent a culture that allows violence against women and girls to happen. I will continue to raise this issue as we all have a part to play in ending abuse.”

Southampton City Council’s Stronger Communities team joined citywide partners at a breakfast network event today hosted by The Saints Foundation at St. Mary’s Stadium. There was a screening of a film by The Saints Foundation about the experiences of women and girls in Southampton, and a panel discussion exploring how organisations work together to tackle all forms of violence against women and girls.

Francesca Prior, Stronger Communities Service Manager, highlighted the success of the night-time support bus that is a designated Safe Place for people who may need help while they are out and about in Southampton at night. The bus is parked outside The Giddy Bridge pub in London Road on key Friday and Saturday nights and a team of volunteers is available to provide help where needed. This is just one of the ways that partners are working together to create a safer city.

Residents can show their support by wearing the White Ribbon throughout the 16 Days of Action. Information and resources about White Ribbon Day can be found on the White Ribbon Day website. 

PIPPA, the domestic abuse helpline for Southampton, provides help and advice as well as referrals to specialist services. It is open for victims/survivors and their families and friends between 9.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. (Voicemails can be left if the line is busy or if you are calling outside of opening hours.) You can also email: pippa@southampton.gov.uk.

In an emergency, always call 999. To report an incident, call the Police on 101 or visit the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.