Over 1000 Renfrewshire Punters Pledge Against Domestic Abuse
A campaign to tackle violence against women has received a huge boost from betting shop customers in Renfrewshire and won backing from prominent local politicians.
A record 1,054 punters across the region have pledged their support for White Ribbon Scotland, a charity which campaigns with men to end gender based violence.
Betting shop staff from bookmakers William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and Paddy Power joined forces to encourage punters in Paisley, Renfrew, Johnstone and Linwood to sign the White Ribbon Scotland pledge 'never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women in all its forms.'
The final tally of 1,054 pledges is the highest ever achieved by the nationwide campaign - a partnership with ABB, the trade association for high street bookmakers - which has also been rolled out in betting shops in Inverness, Glasgow, Hamilton and Edinburgh.
The record result from Renfrewshire brings the total tally achieved by the partnership to more than 3,250.
Renfrewshire politicians Gavin Newlands MP, a White Ribbon Scotland Ambassador, and Tom Arthur MSP have both actively supported the campaign.
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:
“I am proud to support the White Ribbon Campaign to end violence against women. White Ribbon Scotland’s flagship campaign will go on to make a real difference in Renfrewshire by encouraging men to recognise and act upon their responsibility for challenging gender based violence.
“As the numbers show, this initiative is allowing staff across Renfrewshire to address this problem route and stem. “I encourage all those who have signed the White Ribbon Pledge at their local bookies to speak with their friends and family, so that the campaign against gender based violence in Renfrewshire continues."
Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South, said: “I am delighted to hear that the number of pledges gathered during the Renfrewshire campaign is the largest taken in any area to date. Through this landmark campaign, White Ribbon Scotland have created a vital platform to encourage men to take a vocal stand against domestic abuse.”
Davy Thompson, campaign director of White Ribbon Scotland, added: "“I am absolutely delighted with the number of pledges staff from bookmakers across Renfrewshire have obtained from their customers in support of our campaign to help end violence against women. Those signing the White Ribbon Scotland pledge are now more aware of what men can do to help end this scourge in our society. Everyone involved can be very pleased with this result.”
Donald Morrison, campaign manager for ABB, added: “Customers in Renfrewshire – mostly men - have sent a very clear message that it is unacceptable to commit, condone or ignore violence against women. That is a powerful show of unity which we hope will have a lasting impact. It is also testament to the dedication of our hard working betting shop staff who have proved, once again, to be passionate campaigners for White Ribbon Scotland.”
The partnership between ABB and White Ribbon Scotland has been shortlisted in this year’s Business Charity Awards which take place later this month (22 May).
