This year’s White Ribbon campaign ‘We Speak Up’ is focused on the importance of standing against violence towards women and girls, while raising awareness of the support available.
What is White Ribbon Day?
White Ribbon Day is a global campaign that runs annually from November 25th (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10th (Human Rights Day). Beginning in 1991 by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership, the campaign aims to raise awareness on violence faced by women and girls globally and calls for shared action to end it.
Why is it important?
Violence against women impacts countless lives, continuing to share awareness around this issue is vital.
White Ribbon UK have shared some powerful statistics highlighting the prevalence of violence and harassment against women:
- 1 in 4 women will be a victim to sexual assault or attempted assault in their lifetimes (National Audit Office, 2025)
- 39% of secondary school teachers said they are aware of at least one incident of misogynistic behaviour from a pupil in the last week (BBC, 2025)
- 3 in 5 women have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse in the workplace. 3 in 5 have experienced 3 or more incidents of bullying at work (Trades Union Congress, 2025)
Too often people tend to view issues like sexual assault or harassment as rare, isolated events that feel distant from their everyday lives. The reality is very different, and the stats say otherwise.
The smallest of every day actions can help prevent violence against women and girls.
Where to access support?
Support is available across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex for anyone who suspects or has experienced domestic violence, whether it’s yourself or someone you know.
Lighthouse
Lighthouse is a Suffolk based charity that supports women, young people and children who are affected by domestic abuse.
Website: Lighthouse | From a brighter future, free from domestic abuse
The Change Project
The Change Project are a team of highly trained professionals that will work with you and your partner to create the best solution for your situation, this could mean joint counselling, individually or within a group programme.
Website: The Change Project - Relationships: Counselling & Domestic Violence
Leeway
Established in 1974, Leeway is an independent charity providing support to adults, young people and children who are experiencing domestic abuse in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Website: Leeway Domestic Violence and Abuse Services
Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council is the upper-tier local authority for the county of Suffolk, England.
Website: Home - Suffolk County Council
Domestic Abuse | Temporary Supported Housing (TSH)
Our TSH services provide safe accommodation and guidance for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Here at Orwell, our trained staff offer support to help survivors make informed choices and move forward positively.
We work with Local Authority partners to deliver coordinated support and run Freedom Programmes across Norfolk and Suffolk. Services are open to all survivors - men, women, parents with children and anyone seeking safety.
Learn more about our services here: Supporting People in or Leaving Abusive Relationships | Orwell Housing
