Appeal to back charity campaign and end domestic abuse
Communities and businesses in Shropshire are being urged to back a campaign aiming to end male violence towards women and girls.
Residents can support White Ribbon UK, which raises awareness of domestic abuse, by becoming champions, ambassadors or encouraging organisation to gain accreditation through the charity.
Focusing on domestic abuse is among the key causes for this year's High Sheriff of Shropshire, Dean Harris.
Statistics show one in four women and one in six men are affected by the issue in their lifetime.
Eradicating domestic abuse is a problem Mrs Harris believes is a cause the entire community should unite behind.
The charity works with males by asking them to fulfil the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.
It also acts as a catalyst by encouraging people to individually and collectively take action and to change their behaviour, working with supporters, ambassadors, champions, organisations and policy makers to raise awareness in England and Wales.
Mrs Harris said: “We know categorically there are many Shropshire women and girls sadly experiencing domestic abuse.
"There are also many Shropshire men perpetrating that violence.
"It’s not enough for people to say they are against domestic abuse, taking action and signing up to be part of the White Ribbon campaign sends a clear message we will not tolerate abuse and there is no excuse.
"Ambassadors and champions can sign up to take the White Ribbon message into workplaces,communities and to their peers.
"A White Ribbon Accreditation Programme also ensures organisations that sign up to take a strategic approach to ending domestic violence and abuse.
She added: “Turning a blind eye to the issue, or assuming you will never be impacted, is not the answer.
"Two women are murdered every week in the UK through domestic abuse and we know that figure has doubled during Covid.
"We need everyone in Shropshire to take a stand. It is going on, but is often hidden – if we don’t all look, we won’t all see.
"It is everyone’s problem and the solution is everyone’s problem."
White Ribbon Day takes place on November 25.
