Sutton Council and local footballing legends, Sutton United, have teamed up this White Ribbon Day, to say “make ending male violence towards women and girls #TheGoal”.

Joining the call is Sutton and Epsom Rugby Club, who are also backing the White Ribbon campaign.

Friday 25 November is White Ribbon Day – the largest global initiative to end male violence against women by calling on men to take action to make a difference.

This year White Ribbon Day coincides with the World Cup in Qatar, with the social hashtag of #TheGoal. The goal is to end male violence towards women and girls, to tackle the sexist and misogynistic attitudes that can lead to male violence against women and girls

The day also marks the start of the 16 days to end violence against women campaign. The ’16 Days of Activism’ campaign runs from 25 November, UN International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day. The theme this year is Ending Femicide.

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said: “We can all make a commitment today by making the White Ribbon Promise never to use, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. It is absolutely crucial that we teach our young men – our future generations – to think about their attitudes now. And to empower our young women, so that they all can continue to be the generation who really help shape and make our society a better place for women and girls now and in the future.”

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, said: “This year, White Ribbon Day is focusing on the attitudes and behaviours men and boys can adopt to move away from associations to violent and abusive behaviour. Men and boys are now expecting better from their colleagues, friends, and family to ensure women and girls are safe.”

Schools and colleges in Sutton are helping to tackle sexist views and behaviours towards women. Cranstoun, which manages Sutton Council’s domestic abuse services, works closely with local educators such as Limes College to run different programmes in schools aimed at boys and girls, tackling healthy relationships and relationship abuse. The College also runs a recovery programme, for children and young people aged 9 to 16 who have been exposed to domestic violence and abuse.

Check out the social feeds for Sutton United, Sutton and Epsom Rugby Club, Sutton Fire Brigade and their Borough Commander and Sutton Police, to hear what they’re saying for White Ribbon Day.

What’s on in Sutton

Friday 25 November

Trinity Square, Sutton High Street (near Waterstones), Sutton SM1 1DU

12pm to 5pm

Speak to our White Ribbon Ambassadors to find out more about the White Ribbon campaign and why it’s so important to take the White Ribbon Promise, never to commit or condone male violence towards women and girls, along with a range of domestic abuse support services in Sutton.

5pm to 6.30pm

Showing of the ‘Have a Word’ short film along with community White Ribbon Promise clips, by Reclaim Sutton’s Streets

Trinity Square is home to a locally made mosaic bench dedicated on International Women’s Day 2022, to all women and girls who have died by male violence, and an apt location for White Ribbon Day events.

Thursday 1 December

10am – 3pm, The Honeywood Museum, Honeywood Walk Carshalton SM5 3NX

Join the team at the Sutton Women’s Centre for a special event as part of the 16 Days of Activism:

FORWARD (Foundation of Women’s Health Research and Development) offer a safe space for migrant women to talk about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and its impact on women’s health and wellbeing (booking essential)

Showing of ‘Love’, a docudrama articulating the silent voices of domestic abuse and coercive control, by actress Sam Beckingsale

Book your tickets on Eventbrite now.

Make the White Ribbon Promise

Men are invited to wear a White Ribbon and make the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women – make the Promise online now, at www.whiteribbon.org.uk/promise

Help make a change – become a Domestic Abuse Ambassador

Become a Domestic Abuse Ambassador – Sutton Women’s Centre runs free ‘Ask Me’ training for anyone who wants to be equipped with an understanding of domestic abuse and how to respond to survivors. Ask now!