08 November 2010

Yorkshire Post: Leeds First White Ribbon City

See the original article at http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/features/breaking-the-cycle-of-violence.6613734.jp

In summary, it is the story of a man who challenged his own abusive behaviour but with help was able to control his anger and violence.The article goes on to say;

Later this month, Leeds will become the UK's first major city to be awarded White Ribbon status by the White Ribbon Campaign, a movement started in Canada, whose British arm is organised by Hebden Bridge-based Chris Green. White Ribbon is run by men to help put an end to violence against women, and the award to Leeds City Council is in recognition of the work undertaken across the city on domestic violence – a crime that is usually hidden from view unless a victim is brave enough to speak out or a perpetrator comes out and seeks help.

The council's Safer Leeds team is responsible for anti-domestic violence strategy, which includes improving services to women, developing community support and developing preventative and educational work.

"Domestic violence is a massively under-reported crime," says Michelle de Souza, head of the domestic violence team. "White Ribbon is about raising awareness among non-violent men and getting people talking about the problem. There is a lot of collusion – for instance, a group of men may know that their mate hits his wife and they disapprove but would never challenge.

"Male on male aggression is rewarded and male aggression to women is frowned upon, but in an abstract way. We need people to challenge the behaviour of abusive men."

The article can also be found in more detail on the UK Blog

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