Bristolians gather to sign the pledge to tackle violence against women

On Thursday 29 at midday on College Green, representatives from Bristol Rovers will join with local men and women to pledge to tackle all forms of violence against women by backing the White Ribbon Campaign. Chris Green the national White Ribbon Campaign Director will be the guest speaker.

"The focus of the White Ribbon Campaign gives men and women the chance to show their support for ending domestic violence and abuse and to personally pledge that they will never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women" said Paul Welcomme who is Bristol’s White Ribbon Ambassador "We are delighted that Bristol Rovers once more have signed up to help us to make this public stand putting across a clear message that there is no excuse to be violent towards women." he said.

Rovers Chair Nick Higgs said "We think this is a great chance to show the red card to men who abuse women and our players are happy to wear the ribbon to show that men are against domestic violence and abuse too."

Mayor George Ferguson recently signed up to the White Ribbon Pledge.

"Violence against women and girls concerns us all whatever our gender. The White Ribbon pledge gives men the chance to show that they are as concerned as women and stand with them to challenge domestic violence and abuse" said Gillian Douglas, Interim Service Director for the Safer Bristol Partnership.

This event is the culmination of a packed programme for End Violence Against Women week held this week.

"In Bristol, one in four women will be victims of domestic violence and abuse in their lifetimes," said " End Violence Against Women Week will show that Bristol partner agencies and voluntary organisations are committed to supporting local women who are subjected to, and affected by, violence and abuse - and not just domestic violence, but any violence - be it by a family member, friend or complete stranger."

To find out more about the pledge and sign on line people can go to the White Ribbon campaign website.

Further information from Vicky O'Loughlin on 07747460496