COUNCIL bosses who toasted a new accreditation awarded for a dedication to end male violence against women have been blasted for failing to include a brave councillor who spoke up about her experience of sexual assault at a public meeting just months before.
The White Ribbon - a global movement that encourages men and boys to take a stand against violence towards women and girls - was officially given to Barnsley Council as a plaque last Thursday.
As part of the campaign, the council committed to appointing a senior leader as an ambassador, creating a steering group, changing culture and raising awareness among men and boys.
However, Coun Leyla Nayeri, of the Liberal Democrat group, said she was ‘disappointed’ to have been omitted from the campaign - despite delivering an emotional speech at a full council meeting in March.
She asked the council to encourage the addition of ‘sexual harassment and sexual violence’ to the curriculum, and also encouraged the training of staff within education and other settings to spot early signs of inappropriate behaviour.
She said: “This subject is incredibly personal to me but it’s a topic I felt could make a real difference to all residents of Barnsley.
“A topic which, given its sensitivity, would see us leave our political differences aside.
“I realise that the topic in question can make us feel uncomfortable and certain groups or people can feel attacked.
“I stand not only as a councillor but as a woman, a mother and as a resident of Barnsley who wants to prevent the horror that I endured when I was sexually assaulted from happening to anyone else.
“I teach my children to always stand up for what they believe and so no matter how difficult this is for me, we must be proactive and change the narrative for our future generation, because I would never wish this hell upon anyone.
“I’m disappointed that I have been left out of the opportunity to celebrate and support something so personal to me and every woman who has been the victim of sexual assault and rape.
“I stood up for all the people who have been victims of abuse and to try and stop future generations being victims.
“Yet again, the people who bring these things forward have been silenced.
“This plaque should have been a celebration of the work done across teams and across political parties within Barnsley.
“Campaigns like this are made stronger with every voice added to them.
“This could have been an opportunity to show that we all work and stand together on such an important issue, and a celebration of taking an important step forwards.
“Instead it has left me feeling powerless and voiceless yet again.”
As part of the commitment, Barnsley Council hosted its first White Ribbon event on November 26 which saw a large turnout.
Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, added: “Violence against women and girls has no place in our society.
“While we recognise that violence can affect anyone, statistics show that women are disproportionately impacted, often by male perpetrators.
“Our three-year action plan will ensure we raise awareness, engage men and boys, and embed prevention into everything we do.
“Together, we can make Barnsley a place where violence against women and girls is never tolerated.
“By achieving White Ribbon accreditation, Barnsley Council is sending a clear message that we will challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours and work together to create a safer, more equal borough for everyone.”
Anna Hartley, executive director for public health and communities, and the strategic lead for White Ribbon, said a three-year action plan has been finalised.
“This accreditation is not just a badge, it represents a long-term commitment to cultural change.
“Our three-year action plan will ensure we raise awareness, engage men and boys, and embed prevention into everything we do.
“Together, we can make Barnsley a place where violence against women and girls is never tolerated.”
