Campaign to end domestic violence

White Ribbon Day, the 25th November, marked the beginning of 16 days of raising the awareness of, and fundraising for, the prevention of domestic violence. People in the Greater Manchester area wishing to show their support for this cause can buy a white ribbon and help the campaign by uploading pictures of themselves wearing the ribbon. The White Ribbon campaign operates internationally, and news on its activities can be found on its webpage and on Twitter.

The White Ribbon campaign was started in 1991 in Canada to address the problem of how accepting society was towards instances of domestic violence and to encourage people not to stay quiet about the issue. It stands for the prevention of violence towards both men and women but, reflecting the statistics, it is primarily aimed at preventing harm to women. The United Nations officially recognised the White Ribbon organisation in 1999, and today it forms part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

This international campaign day has its origins in the protest that was held in 1981 across South and Central America to highlight the level of violence towards women. The date of the 25th November was chosen in recognition of three sisters who were assassinated for their political activities in the Dominican Republic in 1960. The extent of the problem is highlighted by research showing that, in the U.K., two women every week are killed by someone they are, or have been, in a relationship with.

In many instances a divorce may only be granted after two years from the date of a relationship breaking down. In cases where the grounds for the separation are unreasonable behaviour and domestic violence, however, a solicitor experienced in family law relating to physical abuse within a marriage may be able to help expedite the process.