Lancashire County Council marks White Ribbon Day 2022

The White Ribbon Flag will fly above County Hall in Preston to highlight the campaign, which is intended to challenge societal attitudes, systems and behaviours that can lead to inequality and abuse against women and girls.

Running until Saturday 10 December, Lancashire County Council will be hosting several activities on social media and at our libraries and office buildings to help spread the message.

There will be White Ribbon Campaign displays and large white ribbons at libraries in Accrington, Burnley, Burnley Campus, Chorley, Clayton Green, Clitheroe, Colne, Fleetwood, Freckleton, Fulwood, Garstang, Great Harwood, Haslingden, Kingsfold, Lancaster, Leyland, Morecambe, Nelson, Ormskirk, Preston (Harris), Rawtenstall, Skelmersdale, St Annes and Whalley.

 In addition, there will be displays at Lancashire Archives and Clitheroe Castle Museum.

Visitors to these venues will be able to pick up a white ribbon and sign up to the white ribbon promise by scanning the official QR code on their phone to support the campaign.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "Violence against women and girls can come in all forms, whether it's domestic abuse or attacks on the street. Displaying the White Ribbon is a clear sign that we won't stand for it.

"Since becoming the first White Ribbon Accredited county in 2017, we've proudly upheld the tradition of raising awareness for this important campaign, and we want the people of Lancashire to unite with us against all abuse.

"You can help us by wearing the white ribbon, signing the promise, or even just by raising awareness of the campaign."

White Ribbon Day 2022 falls during the same week as the FIFA men's World Cup begins. Uniting to raise further awareness during this time, Lancashire football clubs Accrington Stanley, AFC Fylde, Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, Fleetwood Town, Morecambe and Preston have confirmed their support for the White Ribbon Campaign.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health and White Ribbon Ambassador for the county council, added: "Approximately three women across England and Wales are murdered by men every week, and that needs to change.

"With the men's World Cup having started this week, now is more important than ever to raise awareness of abuse against women, and we as men must never remain silent. By supporting the White Ribbon Campaign, you'll play a crucial part in preventing and challenging the roots of all forms of abuse."

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.