White Ribbon accreditation demonstrates the borough council’s commitment to helping reduce violence against women.

That’s according to John Whittington, Hastings Borough Council’s (HBC) Community Safety Manager as the council announced this week that it has once again become White Ribbon accredited Mr Whittingdon said: “Getting reaccredited with the White Ribbon campaign is a clear statement of the council’s commitment to helping reduce violence against women.”

White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people – especially men and boys – to individually and collectively take action and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence against women. To wear a white ribbon is to promise to never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

HBC has supported the White Ribbon campaign for many years, including last year when it took part in the 16 Days of Action campaign: “We look forward to continuing to work with the campaign to do as much as we can to help prevent violence against women.

”A number of colleagues at the council have also been accredited personally and now wear the White Ribbon badge,” Mr Whittington said.

Accoding to Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK: “Our call to end violence by raising awareness, educating and campaigning to bring about change is greatly strengthened by working together with our White Ribbon accredited organisations. Our partners are able to engage with many thousands of people to change the cultures that lead to violence against women and girls. We are delighted to welcome HBC as one of our White Ribbon Accredited organisations. Together we can prevent violence happening in the first place”.

More than 100 organisations have received White Ribbon accreditation, including councils, police forces, fire and rescue services, health authorities, housing associations, schools and universities. There is also a scheme for smaller organisations to become White Ribbon supporters.

Individuals can join over 37,000 others who have signed the White Ribbon UK pledge and get more information online at whiteribbon.org.uk.

You can follow White Ribbon UK on twitter: @WhiteRibbon_UK