PCC’s office makes a commitment to ending men’s violence against women

 

 

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk (OPCCN) has shown its commitment to ending violence against women and girls by achieving White Ribbon Accreditation.

The announcement comes during national White Ribbon Day when men and boys across the county are encouraged to make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.

This year, the annual event – led by White Ribbon UK - falls on the same week as the start of the FIFA men’s World Cup and the charity are urging people to come together, work as a team and achieve #TheGoal of ending violence against women and girls (VAWG).

All organisations, large or small can become White Ribbon UK Accredited and the OPCCN is delighted to be joining partners across the country to spread this vital message.

While the OPCCN is a relatively small organisation, we have a huge reach, overseeing the Norfolk County Community Safety Partnership, and aim to encourage other Norfolk partners to follow suit in becoming accredited.

Mark Stokes, Chief Executive of the OPCCN and Chair of the Norfolk County Community Safety Partnership, said: “As an office we already do so much work to tackle violence against women and girls, not least being the biggest funder of domestic abuse and sexual violence services locally and holding the police to account for their key role in responding to violence against women and girls.

“Becoming a White Ribbon accredited organisation seemed absolutely the right thing to do so myself and colleagues, can spread the message across Norfolk that violence against women and girls should not and will not be tolerated.”

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Giles Orpen-Smellie added: “I was keen that my office should achieve White Ribbon accreditation.

“My colleagues work daily with partners across the county to address violence against women and girls and this seems a natural step for the office to take.

“It is such a worthy and important thing to do and compliments the work being carried out under my Police, Crime and Community Safety Plan which highlights VAWG as a priority.”

As an Accredited organisation, the OPCCN will develop and deliver a comprehensive action plan to address the cultures that lead to abuse and violence and promote gender equality. 

A number of employees have already become White Ribbon Ambassadors or Champions to spread the message to more men and raise awareness within our local community.

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.

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, among 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 in the wider community. 

“We are delighted to welcome the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk as one of our White Ribbon Accredited organisations and are looking forward to working with them towards ending violence against women once and for all.”

Find out more about White Ribbon UK >>

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