White Ribbons are available for free from the University Library for students and staff to show support for the global movement to end male violence against women and girls.
White ribbons have been bulk ordered to make it easier for students and staff to receive them in time for White Ribbon Day on 25 November. They can be picked up from the Library reception desk on a first come first served basis.
The ribbons are primarily aimed for men to wear, but they can be worn by anyone who wants to support the campaign in the following ways:
- Sign up online to the Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. The campaign specifically asks men to make the Promise, however anyone over the age of 14 can take it.
- Be active on social media, take selfies or group photos and spread the word using the campaign hashtags #AllMenCan #MakeThePromise. Please also include the #WhiteRibbonUoP hashtag as this makes it easier for us to find and collect the social media photos for a news article on our websites to show our support.
- Posters and digital kits are available to download for display across campus.
Supporting a safe campus
The University is committed to upholding an atmosphere of dignity and respect for all students and staff, and with city partners have a number of measures to keep students and staff safe from violence and harassment including:
- I need assistance cards - inspired by the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative, the cards which resemble credit cards can be discreetly handed over to staff at pubs, bars, clubs or even coffee shops around the city by people who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened. These can be picked up at the Students’ Union Shop on Cambridge Road.
- University police liaison officer – the University’s dedicated officer, PC Clare Parry, supports students with any police-related enquiries or issues on campus.
- Campus Security and Surveillance Team – provide students and staff with a safe and secure environment to live and study in. The team is available 24 hours a day, throughout the year, for both emergencies and non-emergency queries.
- Report and Support tool – is there to report any issue of harassment, bullying, hate or violence involving or affecting someone who is a member of the University community. Issues can be made anonymously and by witnesses as well as those who have experienced issues – we want every incident to be recorded, and to ensure that everyone gets the right support.
- Student Watch – working with Hampshire Constabulary, student volunteers act as a point of contact for students with safety concerns, improve student safety awareness and community relations.
Wearing a white ribbon is a great way to show your contribution to a supportive and inclusive learning community. You can learn more about being an active bystander and get involved in more campaigns by following our online student leadership programme and taking the Welcome Ambassador pledge.