Community Housing has been supporting Safeguarding Awareness Week this week, and we culminate with White Ribbon Day. November 25th is marked internationally as White Ribbon Day; it is a day where across the world, the focus is on preventing violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes.

The aim is to change long established and harmful attitudes, systems and behaviours around masculinity that perpetuate gender inequality and men’s violence against women. It’s aim is preventative, to end violence before it starts.

We have raised awareness with all colleagues and how they can play a big part in identifying Safeguarding issues and held ‘Toolbox Talks” with teams regularly visiting customers at home, so that they know the signs and indicators to look for, and how and where to report their concerns. We have also created an online resource for colleagues and ran a week-long campaign for customers via social media with information and details of who to contact for help.

Our Chief Executive, Matt Cooney, is a White Ribbon ambassador and sent message to all staff to inform about the importance of this campaign, and we are encouraging staff to make a pledge on the White Ribbon website.

This was part of his message: "The message of White Ribbon UK is that ALL men can make a difference. Every year in England and Wales around 150 women are murdered by men, many of whom were a current or former partner. Things that may dismissed as ‘small’ acts - sharing sexist jokes at work or in group chats, catcalling women in the street, or staring at a women in a pub – all contribute towards creating a culture of fear and misogyny. This is unacceptable!

"This is an opportunity for all Community Housing colleagues, to stand up to men’s violence against women and girls and show a united front. We are inviting our colleagues and our partner organisations to make a commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

"Simply visit the White Ribbon UK website to make the White Ribbon Promise never to use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women."

“White Ribbon Day 2022 coincides with the Men’s World Cup. In July, we saw a huge outpouring of support for the England Women’s team. It seemed as if there was a real shift towards equality in sport.

“Sadly, it is an appalling reality that major sporting events see a rise in domestic abuse incidents. The behaviour exhibited by some football fans in pubs, clubs and public spaces can also be extremely threatening and alarming for women. It doesn’t have to be like this.

“Sport can be a place where men can be their best selves – where we can learn to nurture traits that we take into all parts of their lives.

“Throughout the Men’s World Cup, White Ribbon UK are encouraging all men to nurture 11 of these traits, one for every position of a football team.

They are:

·         Caring
·         Empathetic
·         Reflective
·         Gentle
·         Courageous
·         Resilient
·         Reliable
·         Hopeful
·         Principled
·         Supportive
·         Ally

“It is important that within Community Housing, we understand the difference we can all make to ensure our culture is of respect and equality.”