Campaign to tackle male violence against women launched in Portsmouth as council urged to get White Ribbon accreditation in wake of Sarah Everard murder

Councillors, residents and organisations have all joined forces in an effort to stamp out anti-female aggression and harassment in the wake of the murder of Londoner Sarah Everard.

Campaigners, part of the global White Ribbon movement to end male violence against women, have the mission for all men to never commit, excuse or remain silent about such crimes on women.

In a live open letter signed by over 80 residents, campaigners are now calling for all councillors to take the White Ribbon pledge and sign up Portsmouth City Council for accreditation to it.

The campaign comes following the outpouring of anxiety and anger shared by women over concerns around public safety and male violence following Ms Everard’s death.

All organisations – whether large or small – are able to become White Ribbon accredited. Many councils across the country are signed up, but Portsmouth currently isn’t.

Portsmouth Labour is inviting other political parties, as well as any residents and organisations, to build a cross-party campaign to take the White Ribbon pledge and seek accreditation for the council.

Kirsty Mellor, domestic violence activist and Charles Dickens campaigner, said: ‘Sarah Everard’s murder has shocked the nation and forced women to confront their own fears and experiences of male violence.

‘Too many women and girls across the country have experienced sexual harassment, violence and assault, because of male behaviour.

‘Many women will be feeling powerless, but the White Ribbon pledge and accreditation is a highly impactful, practical action that we can take at a local level to tackle male violence.

‘Many councils are signed up, but at present, Portsmouth City Council isn’t. Now is the time for us to come together, put political differences aside, and take this practical step to help end violence against women and girls in Portsmouth for good.’

SEE ALSO: Shock at distressing scenes at Sarah Everard

Charlotte Gerada, central Southsea campaigner, said: ‘On the same day we found out more about Sarah’s disappearance, we also found out from a UN survey that 97 per cent of young women in the UK had experienced sexual harassment.

‘Male violence against women and girls is so widespread. The solution isn’t that women need to change their behaviour - it’s about men changing theirs.

‘That’s why we invite all political representatives of our city, as well as organisations, residents and groups, to back our calls for White Ribbon accreditation for Portsmouth City Council.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as fewer adverts, access to our digital edition and mobile app.

Our trial offer starts at just £2 a month for the first two months.