White Ribbon Day, on Wednesday 25 November, was an annual event calling for members of the public to wear white ribbons as a pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about domestic violence against women. The event coincided with International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
 
Brighton & Hove City Council highlighted the local services available to combat domestic violence.
 
Councillor Dee Simson, cabinet member for community affairs and inclusion, said:
“Violence against women and girls is unacceptable in any form. White Ribbon Day helps us raise awareness locally.
 
"Domestic violence has in the past often been hidden, a crime taking place behind closed doors. It's all the more shocking as the victims know the people who are perpetrating a range of abusive behaviour against them. It can also have a devastating effect on the wellbeing of children who witness violence in their homes.
 
"We don't want these families to be suffering in silence. There are a number of local support agencies doing valuable work to help them break the cycle and to protect them from harm, so they can live their lives in peace and without fear. We hope that people will show their support for the cause and wear a white ribbon this week."
 
The council’s Partnership Community Safety Team works with a number of organisations and projects in the city to combat domestic violence. They include:
 
Rise
Rise stands for ‘refuge, information, support and education’ and provides support for women, children and young people living with the effects of domestic violence.  For more information call the Rise helpline on (01273) 622822 (open Monday to Thursday 9.30am-4.30pm and Friday 9.30am-4pm). Visit their website at:
www.riseuk.org.uk
 
Connecting Women
The Women’s Centre and Rise run a support group for women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence. The group lasts 12 weeks for up to eight women and aims to reduce isolation and raise awareness around violence and abuse. Contact the Women’s Centre on (01273) 698036.
 
Living Without Violence
This programme helps men address violence and abuse to their female partners alongside a service to support women and children. The groups are set up to help men address their violence and abuse to their female partners, with the aim of increasing safety and raising awareness. There is a women’s service which runs alongside the programme, providing one to one support for former partners. Contact Living Without Violence on (01273) 294561.
 
Break for Change
Consisting of two parallel groups, one for parents, the other for young people, to look at issues of young people abusing parents/carers. For more information call (01273) 294783.
 
Broken Rainbow
Support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people who are experiencing violence and/or abuse in their relationships. For more information call Broken Rainbow on 0300 9995428.
 
Men’s Advice Line
A confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This includes all men – in heterosexual or same sex relationships. Call 0808 010327. For more information view:
www.mensadviceline.org.uk/
 
White ribbons can be picked up at City Direct Centre, Bartholomew House, Brighton;  Brighton Town Hall; Jubilee Library; Hove Library, or King’s House, Hove.
 
For more information about Brighton and Hove Council view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/