Posted on: Tuesday 17 November 2020
White Ribbon Day is an annual event that marks the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and aims to raise awareness of male violence towards women.
This year, White Ribbon Day takes place on Wednesday 25 November and we need residents to help raise awareness by taking part in the #149 challenge.
In previous years we have held a number of fund raising events but due to pressures created by the restrictions of a global pandemic, it will not be possible. Instead, we are working in partnership with organisations across Gwent, including Gwent VAWDASV, Llamau, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Gwent Police to support the virtual #149 community challenge.
What is the #149Challenge?
In 2018, 149 women were killed by men in the UK. More than half were killed by a former spouse or partner, and almost all of them were committed by a man known to the victim.
To highlight this the White Ribbon challenge focuses on the number 149. White Ribbon aims to encourage communities to pledge support and help raise awareness of ending male violence against women. The challenge is open to everyone, schools, youth settings, sports clubs, businesses and local organisations are urged to get involved.
Your #149Challenge could be something you do alone, with a few people from your household, or as part of a group relay, please remember to always keep in-line with social distancing rules.
Here’s a few #149 challenges to consider:
- Walk or run for 149 minutes
- Cycle 149 kilometres, solo or in a relay with friends.
- 149 minutes doing something you love or even hate, be it playing a musical instrument (fun!) or doing household chores (not so fun!).
- How about a virtual relay? Get your family or community group involved. Have fun doing your chosen task, film yourself completing the challenge and virtually ‘pass the baton’ to someone else via social media.
- If sport’s not your thing, why not use your imagination? You could bake 149 cakes between your group or organisation, try and stay silent for 149 minutes (great idea for the kids!), or write a poem 149 words in length.
Once you have completed the challenge, you can share your achievements via social media, follow and tag @GwentVAWDASV @GwentPCC @GwentPolice and use hashtags #Torfaen #WhiteRibbonDay #NoExcuseForAbuse.
You can also show your support at home by downloading and printing a white ribbon to display in your window, or simply make your own which is available on the webpage.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, explained: “Covid-19 means the traditional walk to mark White Ribbon Day cannot take place; however, it is essential that we continue to do everything we can to raise awareness of abuse and the need for it to stop.
“Because of this, we are trying something new this year. We are encouraging people and organisations to take part in a #149Challenge and post their achievements online. People, schools, organisations, sports teams and community groups can set their own challenges focusing on the number 149. This could be seconds, minutes or whatever you like. You could even bake 149 cakes, climb 149 stairs or write a 149-word poem. It’s your challenge, you set it.
“The important part is that you share this message, support others to take a stand against violence against women, and encourage anyone experiencing abuse to speak out. Please don’t suffer in silence, help is available.”
If you are experiencing abuse or worried about someone The Live Fear Free 24/7 helpline is available for anyone affected by abuse and supports victims, survivors and those close to them. Call 0808 8010 800 or text 07860 077333.