Council works to eliminate violence against women and girls

In 2023, the district council became White Ribbon accredited and aligned itself with White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Deputy Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: ‘‘Unfortunately violence towards women and girls still exists in our society and this is unacceptable.

“It is vital that we raise awareness of this important campaign - we want to encourage everyone to speak up to create a world where everyone feels safe, equal and respected.

“As a council, we are fully committed to eradicating all forms of violence. You too can show your commitment by making the White Ribbon promise today – to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women’’.

On 26 November, in partnership with Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, Thrive Homes and Hertfordshire Mind Network, Three Rivers officers visited streets across the district that have been identified as hard to reach. They spent time speaking with residents, sharing information and listening to concerns.

Orange the World Day was marked across Hertfordshire the next day. The colour orange is used as a bright and optimistic colour, representing a future where women and girls can live free from violence. To promote this day and raise awareness, council officers changed their corporate backgrounds and used orange backgrounds for their remote meetings, prompting conversation on the campaign.

A training course was held on 10 December for all professionals whose roles would benefit from an enhanced understanding of domestic abuse and the resources available to victims/survivors. The course was delivered by The Centre for Domestic Abuse and covered a variety of aspects including barriers to intervention, identifying risk and understanding the crucial turning point for a victim.

Throughout the 16 Days of Action, a social media campaign was delivered, shining the spotlight on different support services available to residents of Three Rivers who may be affected by domestic abuse.

Find out more about White Ribbon and make the promise here: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/promise.

If you, or any one you know, needs support, you can access a range of support, including our personal safety campaign here: https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/crime-and-safety/domestic-abuse.

PHOTO CAPTION: Representatives from Three Rivers District Council, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Herts Mind Network.