GMCA takes a step forward in challenging male violence against women

The accreditation reaffirms the Deputy Mayor’s and the GMCA’s commitment to challenge male violence against women and girls which also supports the priorities set out in the Police and Crime Plan for Greater Manchester.

Bev, alongside three GMCA White Ribbon ambassadors accepted the endorsement at the launch of White Ribbon’s latest evaluation report Role Models for Change which enlists men to challenge male violence against women.

Opening the event, the Deputy Mayor said: “I am delighted to be hosting the launch of the White Ribbon evaluation report here in Greater Manchester and to be accepting the White Ribbon workplace accreditation for the GMCA alongside three of our ambassadors.

“I am passionate about putting a stop to violence against women and girls which is why I have committed to developing a multiagency strategy in Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Plan to reduce violence, focusing on violence against women and girls.

“This will include working with partners across the criminal justice system to develop effective deterrents which address the causes of offending, as well as designing a plan for integrated services to work more closely together to reduce violence.

“As outlined in White Ribbon’s latest report - 10,000 women are sexually abused every week in the UK. I hope that with the support of White Ribbon and its ambassadors, alongside the priorities set out in the Police and Crime plan we can mobilise support, including from men and boys in Greater Manchester to call out behaviour that leads to harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls.”

The GMCA are committed to developing a comprehensive two-year action plan to build on resources and personnel and effectively challenge male violence against women. White Ribbon ambassadors are enlisted across the whole of the UK and play a vital role in engaging with men and boys and challenging inappropriate language and behaviour.

GMCA White Ribbon ambassador, Andy Pownall said: “I am incredibly proud to be a White Ribbon ambassador and I am pleased to accept the White Ribbon workplace accreditation on behalf of the GMCA. Throughout my career I have led and worked on numerous domestic violence campaigns and programmes and I am passionate about eliminating domestic violence in our communities. 

“I have professional and personal experiences of dealing with domestic violence and I am pleased that I am able to champion the White Ribbon beliefs and make real change in the workplace, my personal life and within the communities of Greater Manchester to promote a culture of equality and respect.”

Chris Green OBE, White Ribbon UK President said: "In September 2016 we received a significant grant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, to deliver the Role Models for Change project, enlisting men to challenge violence against women.

"The project has brought in more ambassadors than we expected who come from a wide range of backgrounds.

“I am thrilled to have the support of the Deputy Mayor and Greater Manchester Combined Authority in backing our campaign and I hope other organisations in Greater Manchester take their lead and support the vital work we do in ending male violence again women and girls."