Ann Roberts and Elieen Price from UNISON
Officers and staff from North Wales Police have pledged their support for this year’s White Ribbon Campaign.
Today (Wednesday, 25th November) marks the international day for the elimination of violence against women – White Ribbon Day, and North Wales’ officers and staff will be donning white ribbons to show their support for the day.
The initiative, supported by the public services union UNISON, aims to increase awareness of domestic violence and encourage victims to report such abuse to the police.
Domestic violence has more repeat victims than any other crime, with national figures illustrating that 21% of victims have been victimised three or more times.
Representatives of UNISON set up a special table at the reception of Force Headquarters in Colwyn Bay where people could leave their signature to show their support for the campaign, which began in Canada back in 1991 as a campaign to end male violence against women.
UNISON North Wales Police branch Secretary, Ann Roberts said: “Men and women in UNISON are united in saying no to violence against women and we are working closely with organisations such as Women’s Aid to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence.
“We have been asking officers and staff to sign the board today to show their support but to also help raise their awareness of domestic violence.
“By wearing a white ribbon, North Wales Police officers and staff have demonstrated their personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. The support shown by everyone today has been exceptional. UNISON is committed to working with collegaues on the issue of violence in the home.”
Every week at least one woman in Britain is killed by her violent partner. Domestic abuse accounts for 25% of all reported crime and research suggests that only a tiny proportion of violent attacks are ever reported to the police.
To report incidents of domestic abuse, in an emergency dial 999, or for non-emergencies, please call North Wales Police on 101 or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) or 0845 607 1002 (English line).
For free and confidential information and support call the Wales Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 80 10 800.
Further details regarding the campaign can be obtained via their website: www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk
