Residents across Swansea are being urged to wear white ribbons this week to support an end to violence towards women.
The call comes after figures revealed domestic abuse services in the city received 4,000 calls in a year from survivors needing help.
Thursday November 25 is International White Ribbon Day and wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
Swansea Council is involved in the Safer Swansea Domestic Abuse Forum that has a programme of events culminating in information stands across Swansea on the day.
Ali Morris, Safer Swansea’s Domestic Abuse Coordinator, said: “Domestic Abuse Services in Swansea received around 4,000 calls in the past year – most relating to violence committed by a man against a woman. There are believed to be many more that go unreported and many of those who witness assaults are children.
“The high numbers seeking help reflects the fact that in Swansea women increasingly feel able and supported to speak out and are getting help they need as a result but it’s not acceptable that such violence is still occurring in the homes of residents in our city and throughout Wales.
“I hope our awareness raising efforts this week will encourage people to pledge their support to put a stop to violence and also to encourage women to get the help they need to escape violence.”
Cllr Nick Tregoning, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Social Services, said: “Domestic abuse and its consequences are something which we seek to tackle directly in our adult, children’s and mental health services as well as through our involvement in Safer Swansea Partnership and its Domestic Abuse Forum.
“Domestic abuse knows no boundaries. It could be happening to the person you sit and have lunch with at work, a friend, a neighbour or even a family member.
“It could be happening to you but you don’t want to admit it or you’re too frightened of the consequences if you do.
“No woman should have to suffer in this way. That is why Swansea has a large team of people who work in partnership to make sure victims get support and anyone who reports incidents gets advice on how to help their loved one.”
DI Andy Hughes, Chair of Swansea’s Domestic Abuse Forum, said: “International White Ribbon Day is a very important date in the Swansea Domestic Abuse Forum calendar.
“We seize this platform to raise awareness of domestic abuse in Swansea, to encourage women to speak out if they are suffering violence at home and to raise awareness of the fantastic support services we have available to help survivors of domestic abuse.
“We would encourage members of the public to wear their white ribbon with pride to pledge their support to eradicate violence towards women.”
