Council supports campaigns to end violence towards women and girls

The Leader of the council, Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, and Cllr Andrew Scarth, Lead Member for Community Safety & Partnerships, joined officers to raise the flag at Three Rivers House on Monday, 25 November, to highlight the global campaign, which intends to challenge attitudes and behaviours that lead to inequality and abuse towards women and girls.

Last year, the district council became White Ribbon accredited and aligned itself with White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.

This means the council will deliver a comprehensive multi-year plan to transform staff culture, systems and the wider community in which it operates in order to eliminate attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence.

The raising of the White Ribbon flag marked the start of 16 Days of Action – with the aim of raising awareness of White Ribbon, sharing information on the support that is available and coming together with other organisations to raise funds for Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline.

As part of its commitment, the district council has created a Personal Safety Campaign that highlights the resources that exist to support Three Rivers residents who may be affected by domestic abuse. The campaign can be viewed here.

Partners and residents are also encouraged to join the district council for a 409km charity walk at The Hive in Leavesden Country Park on Wednesday 4 December at 10am to raise money for the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline in support of all those affected by Domestic Abuse. In 2023, 409 people reported an incident of domestic abuse in Three Rivers. There is a £2 donation to take part, children go free.

The council also joined other organisations across Hertfordshire to mark ‘Orange the World’ on Wednesday 27 November by lighting Watersmeet orange. The global campaign was set up by the United Nations to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls. District council staff were encouraged to wear orange to their team meetings to mark the global campaign.