Councillors, campaigners and partners have met to participate in a series of awareness workshops today, to mark the official launch of White Ribbon Day.
The 16-day-long campaign is part of the global White Ribbon movement to end male violence against women by engaging with men and boys, changing cultures and raising awareness.
The event was hosted in partnership with Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid at the Civic Centre in Mansfield. The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) co-ordinator, Christie Conroy, delivered workshops about the DAHA accreditation process for the council and gave an introduction to domestic abuse and the importance of partnerships, collaboration, and referral pathways to help survivors.
The event began with the Elected Mayor Andy Abrahams and his Cabinet signing the promise never to use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.
Departments within the authority have also signed the pledge, including the housing repairs team, community safety officers and the corporate leadership team.
The Mayor addressed the event and highlighted why domestic abuse awareness was needed in everyone’s arsenal to help survivors and to share the services available in Mansfield.
In his speech, he said: “While a range of people can experience domestic abuse, it is gendered and is most frequently perpetrated against women by male perpetrators. With 73 percent of women also having financial links with their abuser, this, coupled with the cost of living crisis, is preventing women from fleeing domestic abuse.
“We have a duty to inform, support and signpost to the help that’s available to survivors. That’s why I am pleased myself and members of my cabinet have been able to sign the pledge and do our bit to start the conversation about domestic abuse awareness and the importance of partnerships to help those at risk.
“I am so pleased to say we are also progressing very rapidly with DAHA accreditation, with over half of council staff and councillors having undertaken the training already. The accreditation has eight priority areas which will ensure we embed a domestic abuse response at every level of the authority so that all our residents, tenants and staff experiencing domestic abuse receive an effective, consistent, and supportive response.
“We are using today’s event as an opportunity to promote services available; we are working in the community for our community and always looking at how best to support professionals when they encounter a domestic abuse situation.”
Mansfield District Council is working towards DAHA Accreditation. It is the first council in the country in line to achieve a best practice recognition in its accreditation by using a specialist from domestic abuse charity Nottinghamshire Women's Aid to deliver the work required to achieve the certification, rather than doing it internally.
Christie Conroy of Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid said: “The training and accreditation will highlight that the council can offer a safe space for anyone disclosing details of domestic abuse, including staff members and that they receive the correct response, first time and every time. It will also ensure that policies, procedures and practices are embedded and clear pathways are established with external agencies so survivors can be effectively supported.
“Today’s event has been important for other organisations and partners to speak to our professionals and walk away with information about how together we can support adults, children and teens who have or are experiencing domestic abuse.
“We are encouraging all men to make the White Ribbon Promise. By doing so, you’re becoming part of a wider movement to end violence and helping to make a difference in many people's lives.”
Christie is leading the DAHA training within the authority that began rolling out to staff in September. So far, over 390 council employees have completed the mandatory awareness training.
Marion Bradshaw, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Housing and Wellbeing added: “We have had a fantastic start to the roll-out of DAHA training with so many staff members enrolling and broadening their awareness of domestic abuse.
“However, the training is just a small part of this accreditation. We are making a fundamental system change. We have awareness campaign information across all our buildings, including stickers and visible ribbons on staff who have completed the training so the public can see we are aware.
“We are also changing our policies and procedures on dealing with domestic abuse and working with survivors to ensure we are a supportive and compassionate employer.”
Click for a
quick exit