Two of our first team players have pledged their support to a campaign aimed at ending violence against women and girls.
Captain Nicky Hunt and midfielder Jamie McGuire are among those who have become White Ribbon Ambassadors to help support Mansfield District Council’s commitment to raise awareness of the international White Ribbon campaign.
Wearing football versions of the white ribbon badge, they signed a pledge ‘to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women’ at the One Call stadium on Monday 09 November.
Team captain Nicky Hunt said: “I'm very pleased to be able to raise the profile of the serious issue of domestic violence. Both Jamie and myself will wear the White Ribbon badge on our tracksuits and spread the word about the campaign among team mates. We'd also like to take this opportunity to encourage players, staff at the One Call and fans to sign the pledge and together we can all help to make a difference."
Other White Ribbon Ambassadors include all seven male members of the council's cabinet, the council chairman Cllr Martin Wright and three members of council staff. They have agreed to act as role models, participate in awareness raising events, encourage others to sign the pledge or become ambassadors and spread the White Ribbon message.
You can sign the pledge at the Christmas Lights Switch On on Sunday 15 November where the council's Community Safety team will hold family craft activities in a gazebo in the Market Place.
There is another opportunity to sign the pledge on White Ribbon Day, Wednesday 25 November, outside WH Smith in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre from 10am to 3pm.
The council’s Domestic Violence Prevention Officer, Nottinghamshire Women's Aid and Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Services will be available at both events to provide information about White Ribbon and domestic violence services.
Cllr Mick Barton, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection at Mansfield District Council, said: “Young men often listen to messages delivered through sporting activities so we are very pleased to have these two high profile local footballers on board to help us spread the White Ribbon message in Mansfield district. We would welcome more sports clubs and organisations to get involved in any way they can.”
If you would like to become a White Ribbon Ambassador please contact the council’s Domestic Violence Prevention Officer on 01623 463083.
The White Ribbon Campaign is an international movement which was created by a group of men who wanted to end violence against women. Mansfield is a White Ribbon town and the council was awarded White Ribbon status in February 2013 in recognition of its efforts to tackle domestic abuse and retained the award in earlier this year for its continued commitment to raising public awareness of the campaign.
Although this campaign is aimed at ending violence against women, the council recognises that both men and women are victims of violence.
If you or someone you know has experienced or is experiencing domestic abuse and would like support, call Nottinghamshire’s 24 hour Freephone helpline on 0808 800 0340. Male victims of domestic abuse can contact the Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327 or Victim Support on 0300 303 1947.
If you or someone you know has experienced or is experiencing domestic abuse and would like support, call Nottinghamshire’s 24 hour Freephone helpline on 0808 800 0340. Male victims of domestic abuse can contact the Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327 or Victim Support on 0300 303 1947.
To find out more about the campaign and to sign the pledge, visit www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk.
