The White ribbon campaign, launched by Lincolnshire police, aims to raise awareness about procedures in place to reduce male violence.
This year the White Ribbon campaign’s focus is #AllMenCan make a difference. Police officers will be wearing white ribbons and promoting services supporting victims of abuse. Measures include running workshops addressing male violence and explaining the signs of abuse.
Jemma Peacock, head of communications for Lincolnshire police said ” After the murder of Sarah Everard, it is important he campaign aims to understand the situation women both on the streets and in the force face to understand how the police can keep Lincoln’s street’s safer”
As part of the campaign Hollie Guard, a smartphone app, which 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, is being promoted. More information is available here
The police understand that abuse is not always physical and are specially trained to deal with incidents that involve coercive and controlling actions. This stems from financial control to physical control over who you see and what you wear. The force is promoting a “street safe” a scheme inviting women to indicate places where they have felt unsafe. The also urge all survivors of abuse to report incidents.
This campaign comes in solidarity with the annual Reclaim the Night march. In Lincoln it was hosted by Harriet Kennedy who said over 400 people took part which is “a positive response to recent surges of violence against women in Lincoln but more needs to be done”
Harriet said she’s ” working with the council to get street lights to stay on for longer so that people feel safe walking home”
Call the police on 101, or if in an emergency call 999.
For those that can not use a phone the police are working closely with End Domestic Abuse Now (EDAN) who’s website offers discreet advice. You can visit that here.
More information is available here