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SEPTEMBER ACTIVITIES

Reception at 10 Downing Street

Chris Green from WRC was invited to a reception to recognise those working in the field of domestic violence prevention.

Downing Street recognition for White Ribbon Campaign

Hebden Bridge Lecturer invited to Downing Street reception to recognize work against Domestic Abuse.

Chris Green, lecturer in Art and Design at MMU, got a surprise invitation to a reception at 10 Downing Street in London.

Chris Green with Cherie Booth

The special reception was held at Downing Street on Monday 11 September for people working in the domestic violence sector in recognition of the work they do to tackle the problem.

Chris Green chairs the White Ribbon Campaign (UK) which encourages men in challenging the culture which condones violence against women.

“Our banners and posters were designed by two 3rd year MMU Design and Art Direction students and their work was amazingly  effective in reaching our target audience” said Chris Green. To wear a white ribbon is a pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

The work of White Ribbon Campaign focuses attention on one day, November 25th, the International Day to Eradicate Violence against Women. On that day upwards of 200,000 men in the UK will wear a white ribbon  including sportsmen, politicians, and community leaders.

The reception was held to acknowledge the achievements of two hundred people from all over the United Kingdom who have carried out valuable work opposing domestic violence. Guests included those who have carried out work in the voluntary sector, and those from  statutory agencies working in the field of support for survivors of domestic violence and those involved in domestic violence prevention.

Commenting on his invitation Chris Green said, "The existence of domestic abuse is something that everyone must recognise, it takes place in the poorest and the most affluent of homes, affects people from all age groups, and can deny them the right to feel safe in their own homes. There can be no excuse for people who behave abusively towards women, children or men."
At the reception, Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly announced that the Government is to double the number of specialist domestic violence courts in England and Wales.

Meg Munn, Harriet Harman and  Baroness Scotland were also present representing the Government.

Speaking about his experience Chris said, "Awareness raising with men is being seen more and more as a contribution to the prevention of violence against women. It's a men's issue because men can play a key role in changing the culture which condones violence against women. It’s a men's issue because men can step in and speak out when men we know and men we don’t know put down, insult or assault women and it’s a men’s issue because some men’s violence makes all men appear as a potential threat, and I want to live in a world free of distrust and disconnection, a world based upon gender equality. Only by working together will we be able to dismantle domestic abuse.”

Earlier that day he had a meeting with staff at the Women and Equality Unit

Developments in Scotland

Chris  made a presentation at Grampian Regional Health Authority Conference “Behind Closed Doors” and an exhibition was held at the Mens Health Forum Scotland. Annual Conference.

Mens Health Forum Scotland  and Amnesty International, Scotland have announced that they will be launching a White Ribbon Campaign in Scotland
Photo shows Chir Green providing ribbons to Tim Street, Chair of Men's Health Forum, Scotland

Germany

A week long visit to Hesse, the region of Germany including Frankfurt, Darmstadt and Wiesbaden involved several workshops, and a presentation at the prestigious European Society on Family Research.  Below, a local Judge accepts his White Ribbon.

A new branch of White Ribbon Campaign Germany is being set up as a consequence of the visit, and WRC (UK) is offering support and advice.

Website Development

6 more organisations agreed to be listed as Supporters of the White ribbon Campaign including the Family Welfare Association, Youth groups, and our first branch of the Trade union Unison.

Labour Party

We joined Object at a demonstration at the Labour Party Conference to support their work pressuring for a law to ensure Lads Mags are placed on the Top Shelf with pornography.

Merchandise

Women's Empowerment Group of Pakistan are now supplying pledge cards and printed ribbons as well as the non printed ribbons

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