Alliance Party makes White Ribbon pledge

The Alliance Party has joined with Women’s Aid ABCLN to sign the White Ribbon Charter, making the pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
The Alliance Party joins with Women's Aid ABCLN to sign the White Ribbon Charter making the pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.The Alliance Party joins with Women's Aid ABCLN to sign the White Ribbon Charter making the pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
The Alliance Party joins with Women's Aid ABCLN to sign the White Ribbon Charter making the pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

Alliance Party leader and Justice Minister, Naomi Long MLA said: “Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on many of our constituents and it is important that we are all aware of the signs, know how to support and signpost those affected, and can offer them the assistance they need to break the silence about domestic violence and abuse.

“What happens behind closed doors cannot be allowed to stay there: we need to raise public awareness that domestic abuse is never acceptable, never excusable and should never go unchallenged. And we need to work to ensure that victims who speak out receive the right help and support.

“We must stand up and be counted, and challenge the attitudes and behaviours that lead to male violence against women.”

The White Ribbon Campaign is a global movement to end male violence against women.

It was formed in 1991 by a group of men in Canada responding to the massacre of 14 female students, to send out the message that male violence against women in all its forms is unacceptable.

The Minister added: “The Alliance Party is committed to addressing domestic abuse and members have pledged to take part in awareness raising and training to enable each Alliance constituency office to become a registered ‘Safe Place’ for anyone affected by domestic abuse to access information and get help safely and confidentially.”

Women’s Aid ABCLN CEO, Rosemary Magill added: “With one in four women affected by domestic abuse in their lifetime, staying silent is not an option. We aim to create a society where all women can live in safety, free from violence and abuse.

“We welcome the Alliance Party’s commitment to end domestic abuse in all its forms and thank Minister Long and party members across Northern Ireland for their commitment and support.”

For more information about the White Ribbon Campaign, contact Women’s Aid ABCLN White Ribbon Co-ordinator on 028 25 632136 or email [email protected]