White Ribbon accredited

Most violence against women is committed by men. We are committed to work with White Ribbon UK and other White Ribbon accredited organisations to prevent men’s violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes — harmful and dominant masculine norms. We are committed to helping change long-established attitudes, behaviours and systems around masculinity that perpetuate gender inequality and men’s violence against women. White Ribbon UK’s work is preventative – wanting to end violence before it starts. 

In support of this work, we want to raise awareness with men across Gloucestershire that they must take responsibility for thinking about their own actions, promote equality and respect, and be prepared to call out harassing, sexist and violent behaviour when they see it in others.

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality, or background. It is important that everyone knows the signs/behaviours to look out for. The following information is taken from GOV.UK

Does your partner, ex-partner or someone you live with:

• Cut you off from family and friends and intentionally isolate you?
• Bully, threaten, or control you?
• Take control of your finances?
• Monitor or limit your use of technology?
• Physically and/or sexually abuse you?

Domestic abuse is not always physical violence. It can also include:

• Coercive control and ‘gaslighting’
• Economic abuse
• Online abuse
• Threats and intimidation
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse

If you believe that you are a victim of domestic abuse, there are signs that you can look out for including:

• Being withdrawn, or being isolated from your family and friends
• Having bruises, burns or bite marks on you
• Having your finances controlled, or not being given enough to buy food, medication or pay bills
• Not being allowed to leave your house, or stopped from going to college or work
• Having your internet or social media use monitored, or someone else reading your texts, emails or letters
• Being repeatedly belittled, put down or told you are worthless
• Being pressured into sex or sexual contact
• Being told that abuse is your fault, or that you’re overreacting

An important first step to ending violence against woman that everyone can chose to take is to make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women. You can do this via the White Ribbon’s website. 

If you want to take on more responsibility to advocate for culture change and gender equality, you could consider becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador or Champion. You can find out more about these important roles on the White Ribbon website. We would really like to celebrate with you when you have taken the promise or become a White Ribbon Ambassador or Champion, so please share details via your social media channels and tag us in.

Once our plans are a bit more developed, we will set up a regular newsletter to keep you up to date with our white ribbon plans and how you can get involved. We will tell you how you can sign up for this soon.

We know that leaving an abuse situation or relationship can be incredibly hard both because of the impact of the abusive behaviours highlighted above and the fear of the unknown. The important thing to know is that when you feel safe/able to reach out there is lots of support and advice available. 

We have put together national support and local support lists but there will be more out there.