The Liberal Democrats on Stockport Council have submitted a motion for the next meeting of the full council which encourages all male councillors to take the White Ribbon Pledge against domestic violence; calls for the Council to seek White Ribbon Accreditation and to appoint a male councillor as a White Ribbon Ambassador; and to encourage participation among council staff and local primary and secondary schools.
Speaking ahead of the publication of motions later this week, Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of the Lib Dems at Stockport Town Hall, said: “I am delighted to be proposing this motion, which seeks to highlight the problem of male violence against women and that the answer lies with men never taking part in, condoning or staying silent about such violence.
“With the recent HMI report into Greater Manchester Police highlighting that victims of domestic violence were particularly let down by the force’s failings, it is perhaps more important than ever that we act as a community to try to prevent these crimes.”
Cllr Louise Ankers, Shadow Cabinet member with responsibility for Communications and Engagement, added: “In seconding this motion, I hope to ensure we get maximum involvement by male councillors as well as reaching out to our school communities to ensure that young men grow up knowing that violence against women is wrong.
“I am really pleased to see that, within a couple of weeks of us submitting our motion, the Council have just announced plans to seek White Ribbon Accreditation. This should mean this and the other important aspects of our motion have a better chance of gaining all-party support at the meeting next week.”
Motions will be published on Wednesday 7th July for the meeting of the Full Council on Thursday 15th July. This will be available to watch via the Council’s webcasting platform.
