Dartford Borough Council is proudly a White Ribbon Accredited Organisation. White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls. It campaigns to change attitudes, behaviours and systems that perpetuate men’s violence against women. The aim of White Ribbon is to end violence before it starts, and to promote equality and respect.
Between April-September 2023, there were 822 reported incidents of Domestic Abuse in Dartford, and trends indicate that the numbers are going up not down. It is also worth reflecting that this figure only represents the incidents reported to the Police – the true number is likely a lot higher.
Violence experienced by women and girls takes many forms. Some behaviours and words may seem ‘harmless’ but normalising them ignores the short- and long-term effects on women and can lead to more extreme violence. Being allies with women every day shouldn’t be underestimated — even the smallest actions can affect big change.
What can you or your organisation do to support the White Ribbon campaign?
As an individual you can sign up to the White Ribbon newsletter.
You can make the White Ribbon promise.
Learn more about the work of White Ribbon.
Your organisation can become a White Ribbon Supporter by following the seven actions below
- Encourage people to wear a White Ribbon and make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
- Ensure that at least one person in the organisation becomes a White Ribbon Ambassador or Champion.
- Hold an awareness-raising (and fundraising if appropriate) event each year.
- Show that you support White Ribbon by displaying the Supporter Organisation badge on your website, email signatures and in public places.
- Mark White Ribbon Day, November 25, each year.
- Have policies and guidelines in place that protect staff and support them if they experience harassment, abuse and violence.
- Ensure people know where they can get help and support by sharing information among staff, through signage and online.
Training for your organisation
White Ribbon UK is the leading organisation engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls by addressing the root causes, restrictive and harmful gender norms.
White Ribbon UK training can support organisations in a positive way to transform cultures, without alienating to achieve genuine change.
For more information, please visit White Ribbon or email training@whiteribbon.org.uk.
If you are experiencing violence at home, or know someone that is, please reach out – we are here to help. The following organisations can provide help and support:
Useful numbers:
- Citizens Advice Bureau (North and West Kent - Dartford) - 0808 278 7810
- Clarion Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 2800367
- Minor Injuries Unit (Gravesend) - 01474 360500
- Darent Valley Hospital (Dartford) - 01322 428100
- Victim Support (Kent) - 0808 168 9276
- Galop LGBT + Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0800 999 5428
- Mankind 01823 334244
- Your housing association or landlord
Useful Links:
- Dartford Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop
- Sanctuary Scheme
- National Domestic Violence Helpline
- Domestic Abuse Support Services in Kent and Medway
- Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) - to join
Please visit our webpage on domestic abuse for more information and help.