White Ribbon flag raised at launch of 16 Days of Activism
To mark the start of 16 Days of Activism today (Friday), an annual international campaign against gender-based violence, Depute Provost Connor McManus officially raised the White Ribbon flag outside the council’s headquarters, Midlothian House. Here he is, pictured in the cherry picker with Ian Sandilands from the council's roads team.
To end violence against women
Cllr McManus is the council’s White Ribbon campaign champion, a Scotland-wide initiative to encourage men to end violence against women.
A symbolic reminder
Cllr McManus, who is also the council’s Equalities Champion, said: “It’s an honour to see the flag flying outside Midlothian House today on the start of 16 Days of Activism, a symbolic reminder to never commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women.”
Take the pledge
Cllr McManus is encouraging men in Midlothian to take the White Ribbon Pledge: “I pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women.
Working with partner agencies
He is also working with Police Scotland in Midlothian, White Ribbon Scotland and other local organisations to set up a local White Ribbon steering group.
We must act
Cllr McManus said: “I’m passionate about acting sooner rather than later, especially given Police attended around 1000 reported incidents of domestic abuse in Midlothian last year.
Don't ignore the issue
“While most men in Scotland are not violent towards women, we can’t afford to turn a blind eye.
Establishing a steering group
“The sooner we can establish a steering group, with representatives from relevant partner organisations including Police Scotland, the sooner we can work together to tackle this abhorrent issue.”