Southampton City Council Marks White Ribbon Day With Flag-Raising Ceremony

Southampton City Council leaders marked White Ribbon Day — the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls — with a flag-raising ceremony outside the Civic Centre today (Tuesday, 25 November).

White Ribbon Day launches 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs until Human Rights Day on 10 December. Throughout this period, the council and its partners will raise awareness, share resources and encourage residents to take the White Ribbon Promise: Never commit, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women and girls.

This year’s theme, “We Speak Up”, calls on everyone, especially men, to challenge sexism and harmful behaviours that contribute to violence against women and girls.

Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, raised the White Ribbon flag alongside Chief Executive Jillian Kay and Executive Director Robert Henderson. They were joined by Dr Debbie Chase, Director of Public Health, and representatives from partner organisations including The Saints Foundation, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Yellow Door, and Stop Domestic Abuse.

The flag will fly outside the Civic Centre for the next two weeks as a public symbol of the council’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

Councillor Winning said:
“As a council we are committed to ending violence against girls and women. We will continue to work with partners to create a Safer Southampton for all our residents. I was honoured to raise the White Ribbon flag outside the Civic Centre. I encourage residents to sign up to the White Ribbon promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about male violence towards women.”

Chief Executive Jillian Kay emphasised the importance of allyship and challenging harmful behaviours:
“While most men are not violent, I’d encourage all men to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours if they experience them. By speaking up, we can create a world where everyone can feel safe and respected.”

Robert Henderson, Executive Director for Community Wellbeing, Children & Learning (DASS & DCS), added:
“I’m speaking up this White Ribbon Day because even small, everyday actions matter to prevent a culture that allows violence against women and girls to happen. I will continue to raise this issue as we all have a part to play in ending abuse.”

Earlier in the day, the council’s Stronger Communities team joined partners at a breakfast networking event hosted by The Saints Foundation at St Mary’s Stadium. The event included a film screening exploring the experiences of women and girls in Southampton, followed by a panel discussion on how organisations across the city work together to prevent violence in all its forms.

During the event, Francesca Prior, Stronger Communities Service Manager, highlighted the success of the council’s night-time support bus — a designated Safe Place for anyone needing help while out in Southampton at night. The bus, stationed outside The Giddy Bridge pub on key Friday and Saturday evenings, is staffed by trained volunteers who offer support when needed.

The initiative is one of several partnership efforts underway to make Southampton safer for everyone. Residents are encouraged to wear a White Ribbon throughout the 16 Days of Action to show their support.

Information and resources about White Ribbon Day are available on the White Ribbon Day website.

Southampton’s domestic abuse helpline, PIPPA, provides confidential advice, support and referrals to specialist services. It is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am–4.30pm, with voicemail available outside these hours. Email support is also available at pippa@southampton.gov.uk.

In an emergency, residents should call 999. To report non-emergency incidents, call 101 or visit the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.