Cheshire community marks White Ribbon Day with socially-distanced campaign video
White Ribbon Day 2020
A community collaboration
Cheshire domestic abuse charity, My CWA – along with Cheshire East Council and representatives from across Cheshire – have responded to current Covid19 restrictions by swapping their usual hustling and bustling White Ribbon Day extravaganza for a socially-distanced campaign video and virtual conference.
White Ribbon is a global movement to end male violence against women by engaging with men and boys to make a stand against violence. On White Ribbon Day, thousands of people stand up, speak out and say no to violence against women.
My CWA – a charity that supports families affected by domestic abuse throughout Cheshire – invited supporters to participate in the video earlier this year and the response was impressive.
Increase in violence & abuse during the pandemic
My CWA deputy chief executive, Beverley Wrighton, explains more: “There’s been an increase in violence, harassment and abuse towards women during the coronavirus pandemic, so it was even more important to show our support to the White Ribbon movement this year.
“For obvious reasons, we couldn’t host our usual face-to-face community gathering, so we came up with the idea of getting our supporters involved in a virtual show of solidarity instead.”
She continues: “The response to our video appeal was absolutely incredible – really quite overwhelming actually – and the end result (as I’m sure viewers will agree) is an absolute delight to behold.
MASSIVE THANKS to everyone who took part
“We’re really proud of the White Ribbon Day 2020 video – which is about everyone having the collective power to tackle domestic abuse – and we’re so thankful to every single supporter who took the time to record and send us their videos. Special thanks to Anne-Marie Scragg and Jake Perry-Gardner for producing the video,” Beverley adds.
But while it’s clear there was much fun to be had by those who starred in this year’s video, behind the laugher, there’s a serious message: Domestic abuse is everyone’s business.
“I’m committed to ending violence and abuse across all Cheshire East communities.”
By supporting the White Ribbon campaign, My CWA and Cheshire East hope to break the cycle so that everyone can live in a healthy community that is free from fear.