Local councillors in Beeston have pledged their support for a 16-day international campaign to end violence against women.
Councillors David Congreve and Adam Ogilvie have joined the growing number of supporters of this important cause by wrapping trees in Cross Flatts Parks with white ribbons, the official symbol of the campaign.
The key message of the campaign is that men will not commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
The international campaign began on the 25th November and is being co-ordinated by Leeds City Council’s domestic violence team.
They have organised their own city-wide art initiative to encourage people to wrap white ribbons around trees in support of the campaign and to draw attention to it.
Councillors Congreve and Ogilvie took up the challenge to bring the campaign to the heart of Beeston in Cross Flatts Park.
Councillor David Congreve (Beeston & Holbeck) said:
“Each year across the UK, three million women experience violence, and there are many more who live with the scars of past abuse.
“This is simply unacceptable and everyone needs to be doing everything they can to raise the profile of the plight of these women in society so that something can be done about it.
“By wrapping trees in Cross Flatts Park in white ribbon, we hope to raise awareness locally about this serious issue and encourage more men from the area to recognise this campaign and pledge their support to it to help eradicate domestic violence for good.”
Councillor Adam Ogilvie (Beeston & Holbeck) said:
“Domestic violence can destroy families and leave a lasting mark on the confidence of women involved. It is really important that people are made aware that this is a massive issue in our society, and by wrapping trees in white ribbon we can hopefully ensure that this message is spread far and wide.”
