As Worcester approaches White Ribbon Day on 25 November, the city is joining forces to speak out against men’s violence toward women. This comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Redditch, where a man was recently charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of Cheryl McKenna. The timing serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing violence against women in communities across the UK.
Worcester City Councillor Sarah Murray, Member Champion for Personal Safety and Civility in Public Office, has been leading the charge for change. Last year, her White Ribbon motion garnered unanimous, crossparty support, resulting in Worcester City Council’s steps towards becoming a White Ribbon accredited organisation.
White Ribbon UK is a global campaign dedicated to ending violence against women by promoting positive masculinity, respect, and support for survivors. The initiative calls on supporters, particularly men and boys, to pledge never to use, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women.
Since championing this initiative, Cllr Murray has trained as a Domestic Abuse Champion through Worcester Community Trust’s Dawn Project, enabling her to recognise and direct victims of domestic abuse to essential support services. Recently, she also encouraged her fellow councillors to take the White Ribbon pledge and become White Ribbon Champions and Ambassadors—a call that has received a positive response from City Council members.
Local businessman Stuart Wild, inspired by Cllr Murray’s dedication, is also working towards White Ribbon accreditation for his business, Hoge 100. “Our team fully supports the principles behind White Ribbon, and it’s time we use our platform to reinforce the message that violence against women is never acceptable,”
Wild stated. His efforts reflect a growing movement within Worcester’s business community to stand in solidarity against gender-based violence. Reflecting on the urgency of these issues, Cllr Murray, who lost a close friend to domestic abuse in the early 1990s, emphasised, “Unless we all acknowledge the reality of violence against women and girls, this can too easily become a token gesture. We must confront and change our culture—a culture where women are still not treated as equal members of society. Men hold the key. We need to stop objectifying women, stop treating them as second-class citizens, and stand up to sexism and misogyny.”
To mark White Ribbon Day, Worcestershire Women’s Aid and Worcester Community Trust are hosting a public event at The Guildhall in Worcester on Monday, 25 November, from 11 am to 2 pm. The event will include resources and discussions led by local advocates and provide the public with information on available services. This initiative is part of a national movement inviting people from all backgrounds to unite in ending violence against women.
Residents are encouraged to attend and learn about the ways they can help create a safer, more respectful society. “This is a community effort,” Cllr Murray emphasised. “By fostering awareness, education, and solidarity, Worcester can lead by example in the fight against violence towards women.” Together, Worcester is taking a stand—working to make its communities safer, stronger, and supportive for all.’
– The Guildhall event on 25 November is free and open to the public.
