Every year on 25 November, the world observes the White Ribbon Campaign, a global movement to end domestic abuse (DA) and violence against women, the 16 days that follow, are for dedicated focus and activism. We spoke to Karolyn Barta, our Group Community Safety Manager, who has been raising awareness of the White Ribbon campaign since 2013, about how we tackle domestic abuse at Abri.
#WeSpeakUp
White Ribbon UK was founded in 2005 and forms part of a wider international movement working to end male violence against women. Specifically, White Ribbon works with men and boys to challenge the cultures that lead men to commit acts of violence and abuse.
This year’s campaign is ‘We Speak Up’ and I’d encourage all to stand up and demonstrate their support and commitment to ending male violence against women. Supporting someone affected by domestic abuse can involve various actions, such as calling out harmful behaviours when witnessed, donating to organisations that offer support and resources, or engaging in open, non-judgmental conversations with family and friends to raise awareness.
Leading by example
Every time we ignore something that doesn’t feel right in our communities and at work, we miss a chance to set a better example. Let’s think about the environment we want future generations to grow up in, a world where everyone is safe, equal and respected.
Our Community Safety Team is always seeking ways to increase the reporting of domestic abuse and ensure that our customers have confidence in our ability to help. Whether this is by educating people on recognising the signs of abuse, or simply by being supportive when someone does come to us. We also encourage perpetrators to seek help and self- refer to us so that we can signpost to appropriate support agencies.
How we can help
Our dedicated Community Safety team works with a range of partners, including the police and local authorities, to tackle domestic abuse in our communities. Since April 2025, the team have had 232 reports of domestic abuse.
They support with many things including:
- Referrals to Partnership agencies to discuss risk and actions to help reduce or remove risks to victims
- Raising repairs and providing funding for things such as fencing, internal and external door repairs or replacements
- Offering practical support
- Gathering evidence and working with partners when a victim needs to move
- Attending Child Protection meetings and liaising with other teams internally and other external partnering agencies.
The impact we are making
I’m heartened by the fact that our customers continue to report DA to Abri as this gives us the opportunity to help more victims and their families. This is itself testament to the work that we are doing. Changes in attitudes are helping more people to recognise the signs of abuse and have the confidence to report it knowing that they will be believed and not dismissed.
Sometimes I get asked why the White Ribbon campaign focuses on male violence against women and this is a really important question. At Abri we’re Always Curious. Research demonstrates that most violence against women is perpetrated by men and though we know that not all men are part of the problem, we want all men to be part of the solution – it’s as simple as that.
Learn more about how we can support victims of domestic abuse here.