Swindon marks White Ribbon Day with Broadgreen ceremony

Over 60 people attended the Council’s annual White Ribbon Day ceremony at Broadgreen Community Centre. The event marked the start of the Council’s work to reflect the national 16 Days of Action, an annual, international campaign, running from Monday 25 November until Tuesday 10 December, which calls for an end to gender-based violence and the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

People with lived experience attended the event, and shared their stories with the Council to inform its approach to helping residents affected by violence against women and girls.

One resident, who attended the event, said: “He would often lose his temper, then later blame his actions on the challenges he faced in the Army or his mental health struggles.

“For years, I felt trapped. When I tried to explain his behaviour to others, it was often brushed aside as a result of his PTSD or other issues, making me feel unheard and unsupported.

"Now, I share my story to help others understand that support is out there and that no one should have to face abuse alone.”

Last year in Swindon (2023/24), the Council worked with partners to tackle 1,140 incidents of violence against women and girls alongside 5,895 incidents of domestic abuse reported to Wiltshire Police.

With 662 reports of stalking and harassment and 586 reports of assaults against females in the community, the event highlighted the ongoing need for awareness and action to make the Borough a safe place for women and girls to live.

Attendees engaged with organisations including The YOU Trust, Swindon Women’s Aid, the Nelson Trust, and Sounds Like Women. Wiltshire and Swindon’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, delivered a powerful speech emphasising the need for collective action to address violence against women and girls.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Wiltshire Police supported the event with community engagement activities, while a ceremonial tree-tying, led by the Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh, symbolised the importance of reporting violence against women and girls.

As part of the 16 Days of Action, public engagement sessions will take place across Swindon. These sessions will provide information on violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, stalking, and harassment.

They will also highlight opportunities to join consultation groups focused on the lived experiences of those who have suffered violence. Additionally, attendees will be signposted to local support services.

Residents are encouraged to attend sessions at:

• The Orbital Shopping Park (outside Boots): Thursday, 28 November, 12pm–3pm
• Swindon Town Centre: Saturday 30 November, 1pm – 3pm
• Greenbridge Retail Park (outside Boots): Friday, 6 December, 1pm–3pm

Residents are also invited to take the White Ribbon Promise: never to use, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women and girls. Visit www.whiteribbon.org.uk/promise for more information.

Councillor Janine Howarth, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Domestic abuse and violence against women and girls are serious issues that demand a united response. White Ribbon Day reminds us all of the role we play in challenging harmful behaviours and supporting those affected.

“To anyone experiencing abuse, please know that you are not alone - help is available. By working together, we can create a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported.”