Colleagues from across the business came together on 23/11/23 to show their support for the White Ribbon campaign.
White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.
Their mission is to prevent men’s violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes — harmful and dominant masculine norms.
White Ribbon UK’s work is preventative, to end violence before it starts and to make sure all men realise that they can take responsibility for thinking about their own actions, promote equality and respect (and are prepared to call out harassing, sexist and violent behaviour when they see it in others)
This year, the theme #ChangeTheStory, challenges organisations to make consistent choices and actions to for women and girls, so that they may live their lives free from the fear of violence.
Catherine Cole, Director of Homes & Communities spoke to colleagues about the importance of reporting and recording cases of domestic abuse and of Community Housing’s commitment to address domestic abuse with an updated policy and procedure. She encouraged colleagues to speak up to enable the right support to be put in place for customers experiencing domestic abuse. This can include the provision of “Sanctuary Spaces” with extra security to avoid the need for a move away from an existing home.
Jane Clark, Housing Solutions Manager explained the process for achieving DAHA (Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance) accreditation and why it is a relevant framework to facilitate organisational changes.
Sam Nash, Localities Team Leader took colleagues through the new safeguarding reporting process, CONCERN which encourages colleagues to trust their instincts and report anything that “doesn’t feel right” so that further investigations can take place.
Domestic abuse is not limited to age and residents from two Independent Living Schemes in Kidderminster also took part in White Ribbon themed events.
Berrington Court invited their local Safer Neighbourhood Team Police Officer to talk about the Police’s approaches and actions when a case of domestic abuse is reported. The residents decorated a tree in their grounds with one hundred hand made white ribbons.
Arch Hill Court residents showed their support by creating an arts project called “These hands are not for hurting” and they added handprints to the poster to make a dramatic visual statement and show that they will stand up and support anyone experiencing unwanted behaviours.
