Select a region
A domestic abuse campaigner, who successfully campaigned to free his mother from prison in a landmark appeal recognising the lifetime of coercive control she suffered, is set to take part in a panel discussion exploring how men can hold each other accountable.
The panel discussion will be hosted by FREEDA (formerly Jersey Women’s Refuge) as part of White Ribbon Day – the international observance dedicated to taking action to prevent violence against women and girls.
The movement originated in Canada in 1991 when a group of men came together to address the issue of violence against women. Since then, it has evolved into a global movement.
FREEDA's panel discussion event, 'Our future, free from abuse', will shine a light on the importance of collective action and how communities must work together to change attitudes.
Taking place at the Royal Yacht Hotel from 17:30 tonight, the event also hopes to address root causes of domestic abuse and consider mental health, learned behaviours and harmful societal attitudes.
Panellists include Kate Wright, chair of the Violence Against Woman and Girls taskforce, Suki Sandhu OBE, a leading UK specialist in diversity, Matt Falla, managing director of Evelyn Partners and founder of Man Club in Jersey, and David Challen.
Mr Challen is a domestic abuse campaigner who successfully campaigned to free his mother Sally Challen from prison in a landmark appeal recognising the lifetime of coercive control she suffered in 2019.
Lisa Leventhal, CEO of FREEDA, said: "In order for us to be successful in realising our aspiration, to free the island from domestic abuse, our work must begin at the very beginning of cycles of abuse, in empowering men and boys to take responsibility for their actions and to promote respect and equality.
"This is the first year that we have celebrated White Ribbon Day, and this very much signifies our commitment to including the whole community in FREEDA's work.
"Only by working together can we achieve change."
The recent publication of the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce report revealed the scale of these crimes in Jersey's community.
Among its 77 recommendations, the taskforce called for "the engagement of men and boys" to become "a key feature of future efforts to tackle VAWG in Jersey and should be represented as such in all future strategies."
Tickets for the 'Our future, free from abuse' panel event are available HERE.
FREEDA offers a confidential service which offers support and advice to victims of domestic abuse 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The helpline can be reached at 0800 735683.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.