Why White Ribbon Day matters to all – no one should live in fear

White Ribbon Day on Monday marked the start of 16 days of activism, aimed at encouraging men and boys to speak out against and challenge behaviour which leads to violence against women.

- Cllr Ruth Berkley

Equality, respect, and safety have always been at the heart of my work.

As someone who has long championed women's rights and fairness for all, I believe that no one should live in fear in their own home.

Domestic abuse is not just a private issue-it's a community issue and tackling it is a responsibility that we all share.

As we mark White Ribbon Day this month, I want everyone in South Tyneside to remember that domestic abuse can affect anyone – regardless of gender, age, or background.

It destroys lives, families, and futures-and the scale of the problem is stark.

Nationally, around 3.9 million people experienced domestic abuse last year, and one in four women and one in six men will experience it in their lifetime.

Police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds. These figures remind us why our work matters.

In South Tyneside, the challenge is equally serious.

Between April last year and March, there were 5,103 domestic abuse incidents reported to Northumbria Police-the highest rate in the region, at 41.7 incidents per 1,000 population.

Almost half of these cases involved children, and 41% were repeat victims. Behind every statistic is a person who needs help and hope.

That's why South Tyneside Council has a zero-tolerance approach to domestic abuse.