Frome’s Christmas tree is adorned with 100 giant white ribbons this year, as part of an international campaign to end violence against women and girls.
The white ribbons form part of the council’s wider effort to raise awareness of White Ribbon UK, the leading charity in England and Wales engaging men and boys to help end violence against women and girls (VAWG). This year’s campaign theme, ‘We Speak Up’, highlights the importance of positive action in creating a world where ‘everyone is safe, equal and respected.’
Cllr Anne Hills, who is leading the White Ribbon campaign at Frome Town Council, said, “There are a million and one ways we can all take action to make the world a safer place for women and girls and a safer place for women and girls is a safer place, full stop.
“Acknowledging the attitudes that underpin gender-based violence, in fact all types of discrimination, helps us to develop a ‘sixth sense’ for them which will help us to notice and to act if we witness those attitudes, whether they’re manifested in small or in darker and more extreme ways. The greatest threat to solving this problem is indifference – White Ribbon UK exists to engage the majority of men and boys who don’t harm women, helping them see that they are a vital part of the solution. Scan the QR code by the Frome Christmas tree or follow the links at the end of the article to find out how you can sign up as a White Ribbon Ambassador (men) or a Champion (open to everyone) and get information and support to make a difference.”
Council staff and councillors have taken the White Ribbon Promise: to ‘never use, excuse or stay silent about violence against women and girls’ and the council is seeking official White Ribbon accreditation. This will include developing a three-year action plan to embed anti-VAWG principles across all internal and external council activity.
Violent crimes committed against women make up one-fifth of all reported crime, described as a ‘national emergency’ by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). Many more such crimes are thought to go unreported.
Frome Town Council is also distributing White Ribbon posters and flyers in men’s toilets and other public spaces across the town and is planning further awareness-raising activities in 2026.
Find out about becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador or Champion at whiteribbon.org.uk/ambassadors-champions.
