Merton Council encouraged male allies to join the campaign in their recent stand against domestic violence.
The annual White Ribbon Campaign and its 16 Days of Activism across December was supported by Merton Council at the end of 2024, holding series of events across the borough to build support for the cause, including focusing on inspiring and educating men on their important roles as allies.
As Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, Councillor Edith Macauley was a driving force behind the borough’s initiative to combat domestic abuse and promote awareness in the community, and reflected positively on the campaign.
Councillor Edith Macauley said: “Merton Council has emphasised the importance of male allyship in combating violence against women through this campaign.
“I think it made people aware that domestic violence is important, because a lot of people just think domestic violence, happens, and nobody takes any notice of it.”
A highlight was the White Ribbon Walk from Vesey Hall to Mitcham town centre, and the powerful demonstration of unity attracted a diverse group of people including residents, local police and various community groups.
The event brought a strong sense of community with people stopping on the streets, looking and asking questions about the cause.
Dawn Helps, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Officer at Merton Council and another key organizer of the campaign, highlighted the White Ribbon Walk as a significant achievement.
She said: “One of the biggest successes for me was the first-ever White Ribbon Walk that we achieved here in Merton.
“We worked with not only the police, but we had the church coming along.
“We had charities, we had partners such as Clarion Housing attending, and we had members of the public.
“We had more than 30 people, including people with their dogs and children.
“It was a clear message to the community about the importance of women and girls’ safety in the borough.”
Cllr Macauley also stressed the importance of breaking the silence around domestic violence.
She said: “These events make it clear that domestic violence cannot be tolerated and must be reported.
“It is quite clear that with these events, we raised great awareness in the community as a whole.”
A key focus of Merton’s campaign was encouraging men to join the fight against domestic abuse.
Merton organized key events at AFC Wimbledon which brought a powerful sports community at the centre of its campaign.
Many men joined into the pivotal role in supporting the cause.
The collaboration also helped challenge stereotypes and false misconceptions, such as the belief only women can be affected by domestic abuse.
Cllr Macauley said: “In most cases, people think only women suffer from domestic violence, but men do too.
“Seeing men at these events, including in the sporting sector, was very encouraging.”
Merton extended its mission to promote healthy masculinity into its schools.
The council partnered with VoiceBox CIC which led workshops exploring positive masculinity among young men and boys in schools.
Workshops delivered by VoiceBox CIC in Merton schools also encouraged boys to reflect on their understanding of masculinity.
They spoke of positive ways to express themselves that led away from anti-social behaviour.
These sessions aimed to challenge toxic masculinity beliefs of ‘real men’ that have been dominated by aggression and misogyny.
Instead, boys were encouraged to channel empathy, challenge misogyny and promote respectful relationships.
Merton Council continues to extend its fight against gender-based violence through its focus on educating men and boys.
The campaign’s achievements were marked with one significant milestone too, as Merton recruited its 100th White Ribbon Ambassador at AFC Wimbledon.
Zoe Gallen, another campaign organizer, said: “Having such a big organisation show their support really cements with our residents that we want to make a change and shift cultural attitudes.”
The campaign also faced an ongoing challenge with people hesitant to address domestic violence.
Councillor Macaley explained: “People sometimes think it’s a private matter.
“But these events help show that domestic violence is a community issue, not just a personal one.”
During the campaign the council worked on highlighting personal stories of resilience and survival.
iN Merton magazine spoke to a female survivor of domestic abuse.
In an empowering statement she said: “Being able to walk down the road to the shop with my child felt like freedom, knowing that he’s not following me.
“Domestic abuse is not just physical violence. It can also be psychological, economic, honour-based, stalking or coercive control. It happens to men, as well as women.”
With the festive season now over, the council remains alert.
Cllr Macauley emphasised the importance of raising awareness and ensuring resources are available throughout the year, and the need to address systemic violence against women.
She said: “If you are involved in any domestic violence matters, you must report it.
“You mustn’t be silent, because it is important that these cases are heard and dealt with in the courts.
“Perpetrators must face the consequences of their behavior.”
Merton residents are encouraged to visit merton.gov.uk/domesticviolence for information and support.
Photo credit: Merton Council
Join the discussion