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Thank you to everyone who supported White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action to end male violence against women. Your actions will make a difference. Thousands of people have made the White Ribbon Promise, worn a White Ribbon and raised awareness over the last two and a half weeks.

Here are some key moments from the awareness-raising activities across the UK during White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action:

Leeds United FC and Leeds City Council

Read more about Leeds United and White Ribbon >>

Leeds United and White Ribbon Accredited Leeds City Council working together to raise awareness of the need to end male violence against women.

In the warm-up for their match against Middlesbrough at Elland Road on 30th November, the West Yorkshire team wore White Ribbon t-shirts with the slogan, “Show domestic abuse the red card”. Information about White Ribbon UK was included in their match-day programme, and a video was produced in collaboration with Safer Leeds, the council’s community safety partnership. The team speak from the heart about why it is important for men to take a stand. This was relayed on the big screen before and after the match.

Leeds City Council also raised awareness throughout the 16 Days of Action through various channels, including the distribution of thousands of flyers and posters across the city of Leeds, which included information on where to get help; displaying the Leeds United White Ribbon video on the big screen in Millennium Square; and White Ribbon messaging on advertising billboards throughout the city.

Leeds City Council are a great example of an accredited organisation working in partnership within their community.

Diocese of Rochester

The Diocese of Rochester in Kent organised several events, including A morning With Ryan Hart, and scheduled church services marking White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action.

Simon, Bishop of Tonbridge, wrote a ‘Thought for White Ribbon Day’, (read here), and has spoken about the need for men to support White Ribbon in ending violence against women, in the diocese’s awareness-raising video:

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Newly White Ribbon Accredited, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service raised awareness with an online campaign throughout the 16 Days of Action. The White Ribbon Promise was highly visible throughout the area as it was printed on the sides of their fire engines.

New Youth Advocate Programme

White Ribbon Day this year saw the launch of the White Ribbon Youth Advocate Programme. The first Youth Advocates received their certificates at the White Ribbon Day event held at the Welsh Assembly.

Youth Advocates are aged 14-18, who act as role models amongst their friends and support White Ribbon UK’s work to end male violence against women. To find out more click the link below.

Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, Anthea Sully says:

The work of White Ribbon UK would be impossible without our partners, volunteer ambassadors and champions and fundraisers. The activities of this White Ribbon Day have meant that thousands of people have heard the White Ribbon message that male violence against women must end, and men and boys have see positive role models that show how change is possible.

Some more White Ribbon Day highlights from across the UK

Click on each photo for more information