Camden Council marks White Ribbon Day and continues to support survivors of domestic abuse
Today Camden Council is marking White Ribbon Day - an international campaign to raise awareness about domestic abuse and end male violence against women.
White Ribbon Day is also the start of the ‘16 days of action’ which takes place globally to raise awareness of the issue of male violence against women and girls.
Camden is marking this day and the ‘16 days of action’ that follow with a social media campaign to signpost survivors of violence and abuse to help and support as well as by making a special call to male allies with the hashtag #AllMenCan.
There is no place for violence and abuse in Camden. This White Ribbon Day, I’m calling on all our communities, to work together and commit to never condoning or staying silent about domestic abuse. We want women and girls to feel safe at home and on our streets, and to feel empowered to come forward and supported when they do.
As the Cabinet Lead for Camden Council’s Domestic Abuse Policy and the Co-Chair of Camden Women's Forum, I am proud of the work we are doing in Camden to tackle domestic violence and abuse and support people who have experienced it, however we still have a long way to go.
Earlier this year, the women’s forum launched an inquiry into domestic violence in Camden and as part of this we talked to council services, the police, health professionals and survivor’s experiences to inform our report. Listening to, understanding and sharing the stories of those with lived experience of domestic abuse is crucial to creating real change and have shaped the recommendations of this report, which is being received by Cabinet next month. Together we can make Camden a safe place for all.
The Council has also published its commitments and action plan to make Camden a place where domestic violence and abuse is unacceptable. The plan mobilises all areas of the Council to work together to help build awareness, prevent abuse and support survivors and their children.
Actions include the Council setting up a Violence Against Women and Girls board to bring together police and community and voluntary organisations to begin a new programme of action. Mandatory domestic violence abuse training will also be rolled out for all Council staff. The action plan also led to a new housing and domestic abuse policy to ensure that survivors who are in contact with housing can get a consistent response to domestic abuse and are properly supported.
The Council’s dedicated Camden Safety Net team also provides confidential support for anyone at risk or experiencing domestic abuse. The support is often a lifeline for survivors and helps them rebuild their lives, as a domestic abuse survivor expresses in a film below.
How to access support
We know domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone. If you are experiencing abuse of any form, please know you are not alone, and we are here to support you.
Contact Camden Safety Net in confidence on 020 7974 2526, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or email [email protected] Outside of these hours and on bank holidays, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, always ring 999.
You can find out more about the support available from a range of services and specialist organisations at camden.gov.uk/domestic-violence
Make a pledge
Add your name to our pledge and show your commitment to never commit, condone, or remain silent about domestic abuse. Together we can help to break the stigma, raise awareness and generate a shared sense of responsibility. Visit camden.gov.uk/dv-pledge
Watch our video and see what commitments some of our Camden male staff have made to help end violence against women and girls.