Hebden Bridge Lecturer invited to Downing Street reception to recognize work against Domestic Abuse.

Chris Green, lecturer in Art and Design at MMU,  got a surprise invitation to a reception at 10 Downing Street in London.

Chris Green with Cherie Booth

The special reception was held at Downing Street on Monday 11 September for people working in the domestic violence sector in recognition of the work they do to tackle the problem.

Chris Green chairs the White Ribbon Campaign (UK) which encourages men in challenging the culture which condones violence against women.

“Our banners and posters were designed by two 3rd year MMU Design and Art Direction students and their work was amazingly  effective in reaching our target audience” said Chris Green. To wear a white ribbon is a pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

The work of White Ribbon Campaign focuses attention on one day, November 25th, the International Day to Eradicate Violence against Women. On that day upwards of 200,000 men in the UK will wear a white ribbon  including sportsmen, politicians, and community leaders.

The reception was held to acknowledge the achievements of two hundred people from all over the United Kingdom who have carried out valuable work opposing domestic violence. Guests included those who have carried out work in the voluntary sector, and those from  statutory agencies working in the field of support for survivors of domestic violence and those involved in domestic violence prevention.

Commenting on his invitation Chris Green said, "The existence of domestic abuse is something that everyone must recognise, it takes place in the poorest and the most affluent of homes, affects people from all age groups, and can deny them the right to feel safe in their own homes. There can be no excuse for people who behave abusively towards women, children or men."

At the reception, Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly announced that the Government is to double the number of specialist domestic violence courts in England and Wales.

Meg Munn, Harriet Harman and  Baroness Scotland were also present representing the Government.

Speaking about his experience Chris said, "Awareness raising with men is being seen more and more as a contribution to the prevention of violence against women. It's a men's issue because men can play a key role in changing the culture which condones violence against women. It’s a men's issue because men can step in and speak out when men we know and men we don’t know put down, insult or assault women and it’s a men’s issue because some men’s violence makes all men appear as a potential threat, and I want to live in a world free of distrust and disconnection, a world based upon gender equality. Only by working together will we be able to dismantle domestic abuse.”

More info

White Ribbon Campaign
www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk
Phone 07941 597584

Anyone who is being subjected to domestic abuse or would like further information on the subject can contact a variety of organisations on the following telephone numbers:

Men who feel that they are in danger of being violent or abusive
should call the RESPECT phoneline: 0845 122 8609
Broken rainbow: Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) people experiencing domestic violence. 0845 260 44 60
MALE (Men's Advice Line and Enquiries) 0845 064 6800
If you are a male victim of domestic violence,
Womens and Children helpline 0808 2000 247
Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (England)
run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge

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