White ribbon day and 16 days of action

White Ribbon Day is 25 November marking the start of 16 days of action to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, running to 10 December.

This year, White Ribbon Day falls on the same week as the start of the FIFA men’s World Cup with their message being that all men can join the team to end violence against women and girls – that’s #TheGoal.

Detective Chief Inspector Reid Martin, of the Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit said, “Tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is crucial. It’s a top priority for us and must be at the heart of what we do.

“Building trust and confidence is vital both in terms of how safe our communities feel, and in encouraging victims to seek help and support.”

The Lincolnshire campaign runs in conjunction with the international UN Women 16 days of activism.  

We have also joined Crimestoppers in a campaign to highlight increased reporting of domestic abuse following an England game, to encourage survivors to come to us, and to signpost to support.

For the 16 day campaign period, we will be highlighting key messages in relation to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls and we will outline where people can access support and advice within Lincolnshire. We will be seeking out suspects using wanted appeals and reporting back on actions taken including arrests made and Domestic Violence Protection Orders granted.

Our vital messages

• We will explain the signs of abuse, coercion and control.
• We will raise awareness of stalking and harassment and what to do if you are experiencing this invasive and terrifying crime.
• We will promote “safe spaces” for those enduring domestic abuse, available in participating pharmacies where you will be offered a phone line and support in a secure environment. Just “ask for ANI”
• We will be addressing perpetrators of domestic violence and urging them to seek help to change their behaviour.
• We will promote the “silent solution” if you call 999 but speaking would put you in danger.
• We will promote “Hollie Guard”, a safety app for your mobile phone.
• We will promote “StreetSafe” a simple means for anyone to report public places in Lincolnshire where they have felt unsafe.

Your support

Please join us on social media and share our posts on information and support using the hashtags #WhiteRibbon and #16DaysOfAction

Media enquiries

Please email media@lincs.pnn.police.uk for any enquiries or interview requests. We will be seeking to utilise any opportunities to get these vital messages across and your support in this is greatly appreciated.

Where to get help 

If you or your children are in immediate danger you should always call 999. If it is not safe to speak we use ‘silent solutions’. Press 5 5 when prompted and this will tell us that you need us.

If you don’t want to call us you can access help from specialist domestic abuse services:

• End Domestic Abuse Now (EDAN) Lincolnshire available on 01522 510041. Lincolnshire’s Domestic Abuse Support Service now have an online chat function on their website. It is available between Monday and Friday 10am to 12pm. The Chat function allows someone to chat with a support worker at EDAN Lincs virtually, which can often be easier for some people to make that first step.
• The National Domestic Violence Helpline is a 24hr Freephone available on 0808 2000 247 operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• The Safe Lives portal provides advice for victims and professionals. 
• If you are a child or young person and domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship, Childline is available on 0800 1111. 
• Safe spaces are available in UK pharmacies including Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons and many independent pharmacies. Go to the healthcare counter and ask to use the safe space where you can access support.

If you are worried about your own behaviour

There is no excuse for abuse. If you are abusive, get help.

Call the Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040 or use webchat on the Respect website.