People in East Cambridgeshire are being asked to support the White Ribbon campaign this November after figures revealed violent crime was the most reported offence in this district.
More than 1,700 incidents of violent crime were reported in East Cambs between April 2023 and March 2024, with a significant proportion likely against women and girls.
The East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership marked this year's awareness raising event with a stall on Ely Market on Thursday, November 21, with staff from the council encouraging people to sign up to the White Ribbon promise.
The partnership brings together representatives from the Police, Fire Service, NHS, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and Sanctuary Housing, as well as other organisations working together to protect the local community.
Lis Every, chair of the East Cambs Community Safety Partnership, said: “Culture change doesn’t happen overnight, but by talking about it more and helping to raise awareness we can end violence against women and girls in our lifetimes.
“This year we are encouraging as many people as possible to sign the White Ribbon promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.”
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East Cambridgeshire District Council said it is fully committed to raising awareness and would help residents learn about what they can do to prevent violence against women and girls from happening in the first place.
Many staff members have also signed up as White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions. In these roles, they ensure the White Ribbon message of allyship, accountability and equality are upheld.
Council leader, Cllr Anna Bailey, said: “I really hope as many people as possible will choose to engage with this year’s White Ribbon campaign.
"At the council we are committed to helping everyone we can who may be experiencing domestic violence or other abuse.
"While we would always encourage people to report incidents to the police or CrimeStoppers, we are also here to help with signposting for advice including housing, benefits and other community support.”
White Ribbon Day was held on November 25 and saw Ely Cathedral lit up in white in support of the campaign.
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