Stockport Council seeks accreditation for commitment to ending domestic violence

Government funding has helped Stockport develop a co-ordinated community response to domestic abuse, and now the Council hopes to secure White Ribbon accreditation to demonstrate its commitment to addressing violence against women.

The accreditation, awarded by the White Ribbon charity, aims to assure an organisation that they are equipped with the skills and experience necessary to identify and prevent violence against women in all its forms.

The pandemic has led to a sharp increase in domestic violence cases, with the National Domestic Abuse helpline, run by the charity Refuge, reporting a 60% increase in calls compared to before the start of lockdown in 2020.

Cllr Amanda Peers, cabinet member for inclusive neighbourhoods at Stockport Council, said: ‘I am proud to be a part of an organisation seeking White Ribbon accreditation. The pandemic has seen a shocking rise in violence and abuse against women in particular, and White Ribbon continue to do vital work in supporting those suffering.

‘Achieving a White Ribbon accreditation as an organisation will further demonstrate that we are best placed to help our residents in ending the fight on violence against women. Our staff continue to work tirelessly for our residents, and it is hoped that this accreditation will demonstrate the skills and knowledge of our workforce in addressing Domestic Abuse in our communities.

‘I encourage all of our wonderful partner organisations to apply for their accreditation, to demonstrate all of our ongoing commitment to this issue.’

These plans come as Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) announce the Gender Based Abuse Strategy, which aims to provide a 10-year plan to improve the safety of women and girls in the area.

GMCA’s proposals include funding for specific services and projects, training for frontline staff and targeted engagement campaigns.

In related news, residents in Leicester have helped to shape the Leicester Knife Crime and Serious Violence Strategy.

Photo by Luis Galvez