25 Nov 2021
Today, 25 November 2021, marks White Ribbon Day and the start of 16 days of global action to end violence against women and girls, with Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn encouraging residents to get involved and support the campaign.
The White Ribbon charity’s mission is for all men to fulfil the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. The charity encourages people, especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action to change society’s behaviour towards women.
Dyfed-Powys Police as well as the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner will again this year be supporting the campaign, with a White Ribbon Flag flying at Police Headquarters in Carmarthen, to demonstrate their determination to take a stand, and tackle all violence against women as a priority.
White Ribbon Day will kick-start 16 days of action across the Dyfed-Powys regional partnership.
Goleudy and Threshold DAS are two organisations who receive financial support from Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn, and both service providers will be at the Elli Centre in Llanelli between 10am-2pm on the White Ribbon Day to talk about Violence Against Women.
Dyfed-Powys Police will also be raising awareness of Cyberstalking with domestic abuse teams and partners so that they know how to advise victims to stay safe from this type of abuse, and myth-busting around abuse of older people, to help break down barriers and encourage them to report.
Carmarthen County Council will be lighting the County Hall in purple to reflect the colours of the Live Fear Free helpline, and have created a video to raise awareness - https://vimeo.com/643902376 .
Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn said: “The White Ribbon Campaign highlights an important message for us every year: Creating a future without male violence against women.
“Children as well as victims are impacted by this type of abuse, and the effects are often long lasting and can significantly increases their vulnerability and risk in adulthood.
“It is a priority for us to work with partners to ensure they are given the help and support they need.
“Join us in pledging never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. We continue to hold our UK White Ribbon accredited status, working on an action plan to achieve the best service for vulnerable victims and survivors.”
Temporary Chief Constable Claire Parmenter said: “I am proud to be wearing my white ribbon today and supporting the global campaign to end violence against women.
“Victims need to have the confidence to report domestic abuse to us, and this is an opportunity to show my commitment to work with partners to provide the help and support they need. I’m proud that we continue with our White Ribbon accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to take a stand in tackling all violence against women.”
Partners and residents are being encouraged to use this day and the sixteen day of action that will follow to learn about the signs of domestic abuse and to look out for them in others, and assist them to get the help they need, when they need it:
Victims of domestic abuse may show these signs:
- They seem afraid of their partner or family member, or very anxious to please them
- Their partner often criticises or humiliates the other in front of people
- They may be absent from work or social occasions - being isolated from friends, colleagues and family
- You can see physical injuries (bruises, broken bones, sprains, cuts etc) and may have been given unlikely explanation for recurrent injuries
- They are reluctant to leave children with their partner
- Evidence of damage to their property
- Increased dependence on alcohol or drugs
- Low self-esteem or changes in personality
- Their partner is constantly checking up on them, messaging, phoning or turning up unexpectedly
If you have been a victim of this crime, or are concerned about someone you know, call 101 or visit the Force’s website.
For support and advice:
- Call the Live Fear Free helpline on 0808 8010 800 livefearfree.gov.wales
- Download the free Brightsky app – it’s full of information and has a secret setting to help protect your privacy
- Visit the Clare'r Law page on Dyfed Powys Police's website to learn about a scheme where you can find out if your current or potential partner has a history of abuse or violence
- For free, confidential support contact Goleudy, a commissioned service for victims and witnesses of crime goleudy@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk or visit goleudyvictimandwitnessservice.org.uk
If the abuse is happening now, call 999.
ENDS
More information: White Ribbon UK
