Charities lead white ribbon procession to tackle violence against women

Two local charities, Rochdale Connections Trust (RCT) and WHAG (formerly Women's Housing Action Group), led a powerful procession through Rochdale to raise awareness of the White Ribbon campaign.

The initiative aims to end violence against women and girls, with this year’s theme emphasising the role of men and boys in driving change under the motto “It Starts with Men.”

The event, which took place on Monday 25 November, began at WHAG’s building on Drake Street, where a group of approximately 130 people, dressed in orange and sporting White Ribbon pins, gathered.

 

 

Among the participants were survivors of domestic abuse, staff from RCT and WHAG, and representatives from numerous local organisations, including Early Break, Rochdale Training, Sanctuary Trust, Action Together, Theatre in Flow, Rochdale Women’s Welfare, Victim Support, and Rochdale Council of Mosques.

Young people from Falinge Park High School and Hopwood Hall College also joined the march, chanting slogans such as “Safe streets, safe schools, safe homes, safe trains, safe trams, and safer communities.”

The procession moved past the RCT building on its way to Rochdale Town Hall, underscoring the connection to key local landmarks and services.

Superintendent Lucy Smallwood, DCI Jo Williams, and two male officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), DS Nigel Humphries and DC Hardwick, were present at the event, highlighting GMP’s commitment to addressing violence against women and girls.

DS Nigel Humphries said the White Ribbon Campaign symbolises a commitment to ending domestic abuse and fostering respect in communities.

He said: “As police officers, we are not just enforcers of the law; we are protectors of the vulnerable.

“Together, through campaigns like White Ribbon, we can work to eliminate violence and create a future where respect and safety are realities for all."

Jenny Miller, domestic abuse manager, expressed her gratitude for the growing participation, particularly from men and boys.

She said: “Last year, we had two men join the procession. It was so heart-warming to see so many men and boys stand together to stop violence.

“We really appreciate our participants, staff, and partner agencies for supporting our efforts in raising awareness of White Ribbon.”

Holly Stevenson from RCT shared her appreciation for the organisations and individuals involved, particularly the contributions of Falinge Park High School and Hopwood Hall. Both institutions produced White Ribbon campaign videos available on their social media platforms.

Following the procession, attendees gathered at The Flying Horse pub, where proprietor Ben Boothman offered refreshments.

Jenny Miller and Holly Stevenson spoke about RCT’s year-round efforts in support of the White Ribbon Campaign. They also encouraged the public to participate in online safety polls designed to capture community feedback about safety in the borough.

The polls aim to shape future initiatives in collaboration with GMP and other stakeholders.

Rochdale Women’s Safety Poll – White Ribbon 2024

Men, Is Rochdale Safe? 2024

WHAG and RCT extended special thanks to Nichelle Cutler from Action Together for championing the work of third-sector services in Rochdale.

The procession was part of a broader calendar of events planned over the White Ribbon campaign’s 16 Days of Activism. These events aim to further community engagement and drive meaningful change in tackling violence against women and girls.