Antrim and Newtownabbey Council to back White Ribbon campaign

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has joined with Women’s Aid ABCLN to light up their civic buildings white in support of the White Ribbon campaign.

The event takes place on the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women and marks the launch of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

The White Ribbon campaign is a global movement to end male violence against women and send out the message that male violence against women in all its forms is unacceptable.

The council’s work on tackling domestic abuse has been recognised for the past three consecutive years with a platinum award from ONUS, a social enterprise by Women’s Aid Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey (ABCLN) that offers specialist training and consultancy services on domestic violence or abuse.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Jim Montgomery said: “During lockdown PSNI responded to 8,000 incidence of domestic abuse from April to June.

“There is no room for domestic violence in society and I would encourage you to support this campaign and help to ensure that no survivor faces domestic abuse alone.”

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Noreen McClelland and also Ambassador with Women’s Aid ABCLN 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. I would like to thank the council for supporting the White Ribbon campaign and helping us get the message out there for anyone affected by domestic abuse that you are not alone. Women’s Aid ABCLN is here for you and help is available.”

Women’s Aid ABCLN provides information, confidential support and refuge accommodation for women and children who are affected by domestic abuse in Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey.

For more information please contact Women’s Aid ABCLN on 028 25 632136 or visit womensaid.org.uk

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