Lancashire County Council raises awareness in support of White Ribbon Day 2023

White Ribbon Day will be taking place this year on Saturday 25 November to mark 16 days of activism, and the theme of this year's campaign is to #ChangeTheStory. The campaign calls on all organisations and individuals, particularly men and boys, to help end violence against women and girls by supporting one common cause. This starts with challenging the seemingly ‘harmless’ attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence against women and girls.

Running until Sunday 10 December, there will be displays about the White Ribbon Campaign which will include Large White Ribbons and banners along with information about the campaign.

Participating libraries in each of the 12 districts in Lancashire are: Accrington, Burnley Campus, Burnley, Chorley, Clayton Green, Clitheroe, Colne, Fleetwood, Freckleton, Fulwood, Garstang, Great Harwood, Haslingden, Kingsfold, Lancaster, Leyland, Morecambe, Nelson, Ormskirk, Preston Harris Library, Rawtenstall, Skelmersdale, St Annes and Whalley libraries.

There will also be displays at Lancashire Archives and Clitheroe Castle Museum.

Large white ribbons and banners will be displayed at some county council-run buildings, together with information about the campaign. There will also be campaign material and badges to take to help spread the message.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said:

"Violence against women and girls can come in all forms, including sexist jokes and harassment, attacks on the street and domestic abuse. We all have a part to play in ensuring that violence against women and girls is not exclusively a woman’s issue to campaign for.

"All men can take an active role in stopping violence before it starts by recognising and calling out attitudes and behaviours that are harmful. By coming together, we can help to transform the lives of women and girls affected by violence.

"We're proud to support the campaign and wear our white ribbons to help spread the important message. It would be fantastic if residents across Lancashire can join us in supporting this campaign by visiting our stands across the county and making a promise."

Domestic abuse is a major issue covered by the White Ribbon Campaign. For more information about local services, visit Lancashire County Council's domestic abuse webpage.

For more information about the White Ribbon campaign, including becoming ambassadors and champions please visit: www.whiteribbon.org.uk