On White Ribbon Day, Thursday 25 November, and the 16 days to end violence against women that follow, the focus is to come together, and say ‘no’ to violence against women. 

Hampshire FA has teamed up with Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, and the team, along with other organisations such as Southampton FC, Hampshire Cricket, and Hampshire Rugby Football Union, to promote the White Ribbon Day promise. 

Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner, says: ‘Traditionally preventing violence against women and girls has been the responsibility of females leading to them altering their behaviours to stay safe. It is not right that women don’t feel safe to walk home alone. 

'White Ribbon Day is about men stepping up and speaking out. All men can make a difference by thinking carefully about their own behaviour and being prepared to call out sexist and harassing behaviour when they see it. 

'I would like to thank the sports clubs and players who have responded positively to my request for support and who are now making the White Ribbon promise.

'Sports players are often role models to young boys and men and the fact that they are supporting this message will act as a way to encourage the younger generations to not accept this behaviour.’

Hampshire FA will be doing different activities to spread the word and encourage others to make the White Ribbon Day promise. 

Neil Cassar, Hampshire FA CEO, says ‘Hampshire FA is proud to support the White Ribbon Day campaign, along with the Police and Crime Commissioner team for Hampshire. We are fortunate to be in a position where grassroots football reaches over 100,000 people in our county alone. We want to use this reach to share the important message that White Ribbon Day is highlighting – there is no room for violence against women. We encourage all staff, players, coaches, referees, volunteers and parents/guardians to get involved and help support White Ribbon Day through awareness and education.’  

While the focus of White Ribbon Day is men’s violence against women, all genders can be victims or perpetrators of violence and sexual offences. 

If you would like your own ribbon to support this message, or for more information, please contact Emma.Allen@HampshireFA.com.