Periods of lockdown have resulted in a spike in domestic violence, making this year's White Ribbon Day more important than ever for Enfield Council and partners.
Enfield Council will be joining with a number of local organisations to make sure the awareness day on 25 November can still be marked appropriately, and will be re-affirming its commitment to the White Ribbon pledge which empowers women and girls to stand up to violence and for men to prevent and reduce domestic abuse.
Enfield Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, Cllr Nneka Keazor, said: "During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of domestic abuse cases in the United Kingdom and a similar increase in the number of incidents reported to the police, particularly during periods of national restrictions when families have been confined to their homes.
"It is therefore more important than ever to remind ourselves of the White Ribbon pledge - to never excuse, commit or remain silent about male violence against women. We will continue to work with our partner organisations and share our research and knowledge to help protect domestic violence survivors in Enfield."
Enfield events this year include:
- Enfield Council staff will be working in partnership with Rise Mutual and the National Probation Service to work with offenders, perpetrators, families and survivors of domestic violence. The internal workshops will look at delivering change and awareness programmes to tackle the issues that cause abusive behaviours.
- A pledge from the Metropolitan Police Service (North Area) to wear white on 25 November, to raise awareness of domestic abuse and send a clear message that perpetrators will be prosecuted and survivors wholeheartedly supported
- Solace Women's Aid is launching 16 days of action against gender based violence
- Enfield Saheli is hosting two webinars. One on domestic abuse awareness and another on men's mental health awareness and an interactive discussion
- Enfield Women's Centre will be holding a minute's silence on 10 December – United Nations Human Rights Day – for victims of domestic violence. In normal circumstances they usually hold a candle lit vigil.
At the height of the pandemic, Enfield Council launched a domestic abuse hub to enhance existing arrangements in the borough and to make it easier for people to get help quickly and ensure vulnerable adults and children are kept safe. People who are suffering from domestic abuse and are worried about their circumstances can access support by contacting the hub's specialist officers for advice on the free-phone helpline: 0800 923 9009. Other information and details of organisations can be found on our domestic abuse page.
To show your support for White Ribbon Day, you can print off a free poster to display. More information on the charity can be found at the White Ribbon website.