Hounslow’s fight to end violence against women and girls has been recognised with an award from the White Ribbon Campaign.
It is one of three London boroughs to receive the status in honour of the pledge it has made of ‘Never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.’
The White Ribbon Campaign was set up by a group of men a decade ago to send out a clear collective message that there is no excuse for domestic violence.
Hounslow council held a special awards ceremony to hand out certificates to men across the borough who have signed up to make the White Ribbon pledge including police officers, council staff and men’s groups.
Sulieman Mohamed Hashi, general secretary of the local Somali Elders League group and Men Action Group that leads the way in fighting female genital mutilation [FGM] and other gender-based violence in the borough, was presented with a certificate and said:
“It’s important to make this pledge so we can fight this together. It’s about making sure the communities we live in are encouraged to take an active role in helping to end this harmful practice once and for all.”
Speakers at the event included MP for Feltham and Heston Seema Malhotra, Hounslow’s chief executive Mary Harpley, Borough Commander Raj Kohli and councillor Sue Sampson, cabinet member for communities, economic development and domestic violence.
The council’s action plan includes providing support to women and children leaving violent households safely, education programmes, encouraging local groups to raise awareness, guidance on reporting incidents and support for all its employees experiencing domestic violence.
Ms Sampson whose sister was murdered by her estranged husband, said: “I’m proud to announce that Hounslow is now officially a White Ribbon borough.
“This award recognises our council’s continuous commitment to end violence against women and girls.
“It’s the result of us working tirelessly in partnership with the police, voluntary sector organisations and the community, to ensure that anyone who has or is experiencing gender-based violence can access specialised support.
“Our work will not stop with this award. We will continue to be at the forefront of the fight against domestic violence, female genital mutilation and the sexual exploitation of women and girls in Hounslow and beyond.
“We want to say a big thank you to the men who have had made a significant contribution to our pledge. We now hope many more will join us in taking our commitment further.”
To sign the pledge visit http://www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/
