White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence that follow it is an important time of the year to raise awareness about men’s violence against women as well as the active role men must play in ending it.
#ChangeTheStory is about reversing this narrative: All Men can take an active role in stopping violence before it starts by recognising and calling out attitudes and behaviours that are harmful and constitute as violence, and lead to more extreme cases of violence.
1 in 4 girls, in mixed sex schools, have experienced unwanted sexual touching in school.
6 in 10 women have experienced harassment at the gym.
1.7 million women had experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2022.
These statistics convey the widespread nature of men’s violence against women in our society. This is a sad reality — and one we can change.
We held a coffee morning on Friday 24th November 2023, inviting all the local community and partner agencies, including, Jane Almond, Domestic Violence Lead for Bury Council, the Mayor, local councillors, James Daly MP and GMP Bury North.
During this event, attendees wore white ribbons and took the pledge, whilst also enjoying cake and a hot drink.
For the next planned event, Bury FC Men’s Team were playing Pilkington and agreed to wear the white ribbon to highlight this matter, and to also sign the pledge.
This was supported by the full Bury FC Men and Bury FC Ladies, including all staff and management.
We would like to thank Bury Football Club and Dave McNabb for their support with this campaign.
The signed pledge will be displayed at Bury Town Hall and also at Bury Football Club.