The White ribbon campaign, launched by Lincolnshire police, aims to raise awareness about procedures in place to reduce male violence.
450 people marched in solidarity for survivors of domestic abuse on the 25th of November. The police are working alongside the pubic to make streets in Lincoln safer
Reports of sexual assault and harassment increased by 30% in 2021 with more than 800 reports, Jemma Peacock, head of communications for Lincolnshire police said “this campaign aims to reduce these incidents and make sure women feel safer both in their homes and on the street”.
This comes in solidarity with the annual Reclaim the Night march, hosted this year by Harriet Kennedy who said over 400 people took part which is “a positive and defiant response to recent surges of spiking against women in Lincoln but more needs to be done”
As part of the campaign Hollie Guard, an app is being promoted by the police as it protects its user by updating their location every five seconds and automatically triggering an alert to emergency contacts if desired destination is not reached by a set time. More information is available here
The police understand that abuse is not always physical and are specially trained to deal with incidents that involved coercive and controlling actions that can make a victim feel vulnerable. This stems from financial control to physical control over who you see and what you wear. The force is hosting workshops to educate on this behaviour and urge all survivors of abuse to report incidents.
Harriet said ” I am working with the council to try to get street lights to stay on for longer so that people feel safe walking home”
For those that can not use a phone or feel unsafe doing so the police are working closely with End Domestic Abuse Now (EDAN) who’s website offers discreet advice and support. You can visit that here.
Call the police on 101, or if in an emergency call 999.
More information is available here
