Staffordshire Police achieves White Ribbon Accreditation

Staffordshire Police is proud to be supporting the campaign to end male violence against women by becoming White Ribbon accredited.

White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people, and especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence. To wear a white ribbon is to promise to never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

Each year domestic abuse services and partners hold events to raise the profile of the campaign and White Ribbon Day itself, which takes place on 25 November.

The force achieved accreditation as a result of working with White Ribbon UK to draft a three-year action plan to set the goals to tackle violence against women. The action plan is the force's commitment to achieve the best service for vulnerable victims and survivors, and supports on-going work to tackle violence, abuse and intimidation against women and girls (VAIWG).

Chief Inspector Victoria Downing, co-ordinating the force response to VAIWG, said: “The White Ribbon campaign is well-established and the accreditation enables us to further demonstrate our support for ending violence and abuse against women and girls.

“We have comprehensive plans in place to tackle violence against women and girls in Staffordshire and through strong partnerships with local authorities, victim services, and charities, we work together to ensure there is a robust approach to both prevention of violence and the protection of those who don’t feel safe.

“Further commitments made as part of the accreditation include the appointment of male White Ribbon Ambassadors, improving staff training, reviewing policies and procedures, promoting the White Ribbon promise amongst colleagues and partners, and raising awareness with local communities.”

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK said: “White Ribbon accredited organisations are able to make a real difference towards ending violence against women by promoting a culture of respect and equality, amongst their staff and wider communities. 

“By raising awareness among employees, people can learn how to become allies and call out violent and abusive behaviour when they see it, at work and outside.

“We are delighted to welcome Staffordshire Police as one of our White Ribbon Accredited organisations and are looking forward to working with them”.

For more information on the White Ribbon campaign, or to make your pledge to end violence against women, visit www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk.

If you're a victim of violence, abuse or intimidation, or know someone who is, you can contact police and partner agencies at:

Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Staffordshire Police

On the recently launched StreetSafe website you can tell police anonymously about locations in your neighbourhood that make you feel or have made you feel unsafe: StreetSafe | Police.uk (www.police.uk)