Pendle News Room

Pervez Akhtar, one of Pendle Council’s White Ribbon Ambassadors, said:

“Pendle Council has already signed the pledge and we have three White Ribbon Ambassadors here supporting the campaign.

Pendle Council, along with all councils in Lancashire, was awarded White Ribbon status in October 2017 and Lancashire was the first White Ribbon county in the UK.

“We’ve been working with local sports clubs and other organisations to promote joining the  White Ribbon Campaign and we’re urging more people to become champions and ambassadors. 

“The international pledge is to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women,” he explained.

Kieron Roberts, Pendle Council’s Green Spaces Manager said:

“We’re working with local sports clubs to help them become White Ribbon accredited sports clubs.

“Our shared aim is to raise awareness and get hundreds more people who either play, volunteer or watch sport in Pendle to sign up to this vitally important pledge.

“Colne and Nelson Rugby Club, Trawden Athletics Club,  Colne FC . Pendle Park Run and the Pendle Charity Football League have all pledged their commitment to the campaign.

“And they’ll be getting players, club members and supporters to sign up before the start of matches and events this weekend as part of international White Ribbon Day,” he explained.

White Ribbon Day 25th November kick-starts 16 days of action.

Pendle Domestic Violence Initiative is holding an event for professionals in this field called Hear Me Too in Nelson Town Hall on Friday 7th December, 10am – 12.noon.    

#HearMeToo is an interactive event focusing on the voices of people affected by domestic abuse.

 Councillor Paul White, Leader of Pendle Council, said:

“In Pendle alone Victim Support has helped150  victims of domestic abuse during 2017-18.

“Nationally six out of seven victims of domestic violence are women,” he explained.

Over 35,000 people across the UK have signed the pledge and people can find out more and make their commitment via www.whiteribbon.org.uk

Paul said: “I have signed the pledge and as International White Ribbon day approaches on Sunday 25th November we are urging more people to sign it and take a stance,” he said. 

“We cannot ignore the fact that one in four women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and a similar number suffer from sexual assault or stalking,” explained Paul.

“The majority of these incidents are committed by men, but men like us can help bring the issue out into the open and work to prevent it ,” added Kieron.

“I’d like to thank our local sports clubs  for their support and commitment for this initiative.

“We want more people living and working in Pendle to join the thousands of people who’ve already taken the pledge and we urge them to wear the white ribbon,”he stressed.

Pervez Akhtar added:

“Only by standing up and being counted can we hope to end male violence against women.” 

Anyone experiencing domestic violence or who know someone who is can contact Lancashire Police on 08451 25 35 45 or 999 in an emergency. 

You can also contact: 

• Pendle Domestic Violence Initiative Helpline - (01282) 726000 or email pdvi@p-a-c.org.uk 
• Lancashire Victim Services – 0300 323 0085 
There’s also a 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline – 0808 2000 247

Two women a week are killed by a current or former partner - *Source: March 2015 Crime Survey For England and Wales.

Nine out of 10 defendants  in cases of domestic violence are men.  *Source: Crown Prosecution Service.

10,000 women are sexually abused every week - *Source: March 2017 Crime Survey For England and Wales.

The White Ribbon Campaign provides programmes for sports clubs to ensure they are taking male violence against women seriously. 

Smaller and community sports clubs can apply for membership. 

Memberships for the sports clubs is free-of-charge.