On 25 November, a series of events and campaigns will take place throughout the UK in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The Flintshire Domestic Abuse Partnership, part of the Flintshire Community Safety Partnership, will be supporting this campaign.
Delyn Women’s Aid group will have a White Ribbon stall outside Tesco’s in Holywell this Thursday 25 November between 10am and 1pm to raise awareness about the White Ribbon Campaign, and the issue of domestic violence.
The White Ribbon Campaign was originally started by a handful of men, after fourteen women were killed in Montreal, Canada in 1989 for the simple reason that they dared to pursue a career in a profession that was traditionally claimed by men. It was a tragedy that unleashed legislative change, research, new attitudes and national soul searching that continues to this day.
When comparing violence committed by women and by men, the British Crime Survey notes that the results of men’s violence is five times as likely to require medical attention. Women are four times as likely as men to fear for their lives, and three and a half times more likely to be murdered by a male spouse than vice versa.
Some forms of violence have a greater physical or emotional impact than others but all forms of violence contribute to the very real fear and suffering that women in our society endure. The basic rights that most men enjoy – safety in their homes, ability to go out at night, a job free from harassment – are a source of fear for women in much of the world.
Violence against women causes more deaths and disability than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents or war.
Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge that you will never commit, condone or keep silent about acts of violence against women.
The confidential 24 hour All Wales Domestic Helpline number is 0808 80 10 800.
