Police in Edinburgh are teaming up with players from the world of football and rugby as part of a festive campaign to tackle violence against women, in collaboration with the White Ribbon campaign.
Hibs goalkeeper Ben Williams, Hearts goalkeeper Mark Ridgers and Steve Lawrie from Edinburgh Rugby all attended former Lothian and Borders Police Headquarters at Fettes to show their support for the campaign which will run from 24th December to 5th January 2014 and aims to make people aware that violence against women will not be tolerated.
Players for Hibs, Hearts and Edinburgh Rugby will also wear special white ribbon badges and t-shirts in support of the campaign in matches over the next couple of weeks, including the Edinburgh Derby on 2nd January 2014.
The clubs’ show of support is part of a Police Scotland campaign to combat domestic abuse over the festive season when violence against women typically escalates.
Detective Inspector Dougie Moran from Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland’s priority is to tackle domestic violence year round. Unfortunately, during the festive period, incidents of domestic abuse are known to increase. We will investigate all reports of domestic abuse and pursue repeat offenders.
“Police Scotland is actively trying to raise awareness of this issue and of organisations which can provide support, advice and assistance.
“The White Ribbon Campaign is one of many initiatives we support in an effort to reduce the suffering faced by those unfortunate enough to find themselves in an abusive relationship.
“The campaign is in line with our push towards prevention, addressing the root causes of crime through targeted initiatives and increased co-operation with agencies in the public and private sectors.”
Callum Hendry from White Ribbon Scotland said:” White Ribbon Scotland welcomes the support of Police Scotland, Edinburgh Rugby, Hibernian FC and Heart of Midlothian FC in taking a proactive stance towards violence against women. The White Ribbon Scotland Campaign engages men in Scotland to speak out and take action to prevent the drastic levels of abuse in our society. This is an issue for all of us to tackle and through this awareness raising campaign we hope to see more men playing an active role in challenging the attitudes which perpetuate violence against women.
Photographs by Thomas Brown
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
