Men have come together for White Ribbon Day, an internationally-recognised campaign to show their commitment towards ending the violence experienced by women and girls.

Six prominent Jersey men from different walks of life have spoken out in support of White Ribbon Day, which is being marked today (25 November). 

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham,  Victoria College Headteacher Gareth Hughes, and John O'Connell from Krafty J's have pledged to do their part in making Jersey a safer place for women and girls.

EY's Rishan Shafi, Tony Virissimo,a bouncer at the Royal Yacht and Adam Grocott, founder of Wednesday night FC have also got involved.

Currently around a quarter of the 3,000 crimes reported in Jersey each year are VAWG.

In 2023, an independent task force surveyed women in Jersey. Almost every female that replied said they had experienced sexual harassment at least once, and a quarter said they had suffered rape or attempted rape.

Gareth Hughes and CM Lyndon Farnham supporting the campaign

Gareth Hughes, Headteacher at Victoria College, tells us why he's supporting the White Ribbon Campaign:

"Education is a vital part of addressing VAWG, and empowering young men to be positive changemakers is essential.

"Through raising awareness of this important societal issue and ensuring they understand their role in calling out harmful behaviours, we can achieve an environment where all young people can feel safe, happy and be the best versions of themselves."

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham has this message for dads in Jersey:

"I urge all fathers to reinforce the message that there can be no place in our society for violence against women and girls.

"We all want our sons and daughters to grow up together in a respectful and safe community."

Rishnan Shafi and John O'Connell

Rishnan Shafi, Assistant Manager at Ernst and Young LLP tells us why he's supporting the White Ribbon campaign:

"Love shouldn't hurt. Every individual deserves a relationship free from fear."

John O'Connell, who owns Krafty J's, tells us his hopes about improving the island:

"I support the White Ribbon campaign to help create a community free from fear, end abuse and encourage people to stand strong knowing help is here in Jersey.

"It's something that is quite personal to myself and I've known people throughout my life that have been effected by domestic violence and other things. This has played a big role in why I wanted to support this campaign."

Adam Grocott and Tony Virissimo

Adam Grocott, Director of Football at Wednesday Night FC, tells us why he's standing with women and girls:

"Strong and healthy relationships are built on honestly and truth, not control and power."

Tony Virissimo, Doorman at the Royal Yacht Hotel has this message for men reading this:

"Real men don't stand by, they stand up."

Domestic abuse charity FREEDA will be at NatWest International today to speak to people who are interested in the campaign or who want to seek help from the service. 

Teams will be on hand in the hall at Library Place from 9.30am - 4.30pm.