Buy your white ribbon in Spalding and support anti-violence campaign

South Holland District Council is supporting a campaign to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Friday (November 25).

The day is traditionally marked by the wearing of a white ribbon.

Coun Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for community, said: “We’re keen to raise awareness of this worthwhile campaign and would encourage anyone to get involved by wearing a white ribbon.

“Abusers often rely on the silence of their victims, so the campaign aims to break this stigma and silence and encourage victims to seek support.”

The origins of White Ribbon Day began many years ago when three sisters who were political activists in the Dominican Republic were assassinated. They became a symbol of inspiration and in 1981 an annual day of protest was organised on November 25 in their memory.

Ten years later, the first White Ribbon Campaign was organised by a group of men in Canada after the mass shooting of 14 female students at the University of Montreal. The movement spread and, in 1999, the UN officially recognised November 25 as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Now part of the annual international campaign, the white ribbon has become a symbol of hope for a world where both women and men can live free from the fear of domestic violence.

White ribbons are available to purchase in reception at South Holland District Council’s offices in Priory Road, Spalding, and at the South Holland Centre for a £1 donation. All money raised will be donated to the White Ribbon Campaign.

The White Ribbon Campaign urges individuals to pledge support to the campaign at www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/makepledge and to wear a white ribbon.