South Cambridgeshire District Council is committed to ending violence against women and girls as a White Ribbon organisation

South Cambridgeshire District Council has become White Ribbon Accredited in recognition of its commitment to preventing harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls.

The District Council is committed to working towards ending men’s violence against women by becoming accredited and aligning with White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women.

As part of our work towards Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) accreditation, we introduced and strengthened policies and practices to support staff and residents of all genders who experience domestic abuse. This work was praised by assessors as inspiring and exemplary. As part of our White Ribbon action plan, our Ambassadors and Champions will continue to raise awareness of the White Ribbon promise to “never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women”. We have a strong group of male colleagues across numerous departments, our White Ribbon Ambassadors, who have pledged to advocate positive attitudes and behaviour within our organisation. Ambassadors and Champions (who are women who work to support the work of White Ribbon) will raise awareness and support our local community groups and partners in their own work to end men’s violence against women.

District Cllr for Milton and Waterbeach ward Judith Rippeth has helped lead the Council’s work in this area, and said: “We will deliver a comprehensive year on year plan which will transform both our staff culture and our work within the wider community. It is an opportunity to train our staff and to make our workplace and communities a safe place for all.”

Lead Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr John Batchelor said: “Our male ambassadors are volunteers who work with other men to inform them of the impacts of abuse and sexist behaviours among their friends, colleagues and communities. We recognise that not all men are violent, but all men have a role to play in preventing violence towards women.”

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK said: “White Ribbon Accredited Organisations can 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. We are delighted to welcome South Cambridgeshire District Council as one of our White Ribbon Accredited Organisations.”