Sefton Council is once again supporting the national White Ribbon campaign's 16 Days of action to help eradicate domestic abuse across the borough.

White Ribbon Day 2023, which falls on Friday November 24th, aims to raise awareness about the challenges — and dangers — women and girls face in day to day life.

This year Sefton Council will encourage residents and organisations to make consistent choices and actions to #ChangeTheStory for women and girls, so that they may live their lives free from the fear of violence.

Violence experienced by women and girls takes many forms. Some behaviours and words may seem ‘harmless’ but normalising them ignores the short- and long-term effects on women and can lead to more extreme violence.

While the 16 Days of Activism is welcomed by Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, she said it comes at a time when many women and girls are still fearful.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “Whether it is physical emotional or sexual, domestic abuse and coercive control that can go with it is unacceptable at any time.

"We fully support White Ribbon Day 2023 and the 16 Days of Activism that follows and we ask men everywhere to recognise the necessity for them to stand up and take responsibility in working towards a future without violence against women.

"The first step towards this is wearing a white ribbon and making the promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

“Because abusers can be controlling making leaving an abusive relationship very hard, it is vital that friends and family support someone they suspect is being abused.

“Encourage them to speak to you or a professional about what is going on.”

Cllr Hardy said the tell-tale signs to look out for can include the person making excuses for their abuser’s behaviour, a high incidence of sickness absence or a nervousness talking openly when their abuser is around.

She added: “In an emergency, people should always dial 999 but if they want to find out how they can support someone they suspect is being abused, they should visit www.sefton.gov.uk/domestic-abuse or call 0151 394 1400”

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