Issue - meetings

            The Board received an update report on the progress on the current White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) and an outline of the process for the Council to seek corporate status for the borough.

            The principles of the award were that local authorities should express a commitment to involving men in anti-VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) and produce a preliminary action plan on how this commitment would be achieved. The action plan should be aimed at reducing incidents of violence against women such as discrimination, harassment or victimisation and fostering good community relations. It should also have a specific White Ribbon emphasis of increasing male participation in anti-VAWG events and strategies as well as raising awareness and the profile of these issues amongst men.

            The WRC team would work with the authority on the development of an action plan, providing feedback and suggestions as necessary. It was suggested that the Community Safety Manager, supported by the local Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator, would act as a liaison point with the WRC and oversee implementation.

          The action plan would set out how the Council would:

·         Involve and educate men and boys in an anti-VAWG strategy and encourage men and boys to sign the WRC pledge “never to commit, condone, or remain silent about men's violence against women in all its forms.”

·         Identify White Ribbon ‘ambassadors’ within the Council and partner organisations.

·         Raise awareness and provide training on VAWG within the Council, incorporating the VAWG message into Council informational and promotional materials where appropriate.

·         Deliver events to promote the Council’s anti-VAWG commitment, by organising and supporting local activities to assert the unacceptability of VAWG. Examples include:

·         White Ribbon’s “These heels are made for walking” and “These handsare not for hurting!” events, demonstrating solidarity with anti-VAW Campaigns as well as work with sports teams or music venues.

·         Football, rugby and other sporting events to raise awareness with young People in innovative ways.

·         Involve the local community in our WR campaign through a variety of venues and facilities including Libraries, Schools, Sport clubs, gyms, Social Landlords etc. and by encouraging other organisations and clubs to sign up for the White Ribbon award and sponsor special events e.g. White Ribbon Cup tournament.

·         Involve local businesses as partners with substantial resources and contacts through which anti-VAWG can be promoted.

            RESOLVED: That the Executive Board be recommended to support an application being made by the Council to obtain White Ribbon corporate status.