Gwent Police staff and officers will today (Thursday 25 November) mark the international day for the elimination of domestic abuse , White Ribbon Day, by donning white ribbons to show their support for the campaign.
The initiative, marked for the fourth year at Gwent Police, is supported by the Police Federation and the public services union UNISON, and aims to increase awareness of domestic violence and encourage victims to report abuse to the police. Domestic abuse has more repeat victims than any other crime, with national figures illustrating that over 21% of victims have been victimised three or more times.
Gwent Police Deputy Chief Constable Carmel Napier who is the England and Wales lead for Domestic Abuse said:
“Domestic abuse is an enormous issue, one in seven of all violent crimes reported are related to domestic abuse. Every year about one in six of all murders in the UK are domestic violence related homicides
Domestic abuse can take many forms – it doesn’t only mean physical violence. Psychological and emotional abuse can have an equally devastating effect on the victim.
One in four women in the UK is likely to suffer domestic abuse at some point in their lives. While we work hard to tackle the issue 365 days a year, White Ribbon Day draws attention to this type of criminal behaviour by emphasising that it simply should not be tolerated. Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any setting, regardless of age, religion, culture or social status.
By wearing a white ribbon, we are demonstrating our pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. Frontline staff continue to receive specialist training to help them recognise the signs of domestic abuse, in order that they can respond in an appropriate and sensitive way.”
If you are concerned about any form of violence against women please contact the Police by dialling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
You can also call the All Wales Domestic Abuse free and confidential 24-hour helpline on 0808 8010 800.”
UNISON Gwent Police Branch Secretary Linda Sweet commented:
“This is vitally important campaign as it highlights a crime that’s often committed behind closed doors. Domestic abuse is sometimes treated as a taboo subject but we should not shy away from drawing attention to it.
Everyone is entitled to live without fear of violence. UNISON urges anyone, who has suffered violence at the hands of a partner, to break their silence and report it.”
Jeff Mapps, Chair of the Gwent branch of the Police Federation, said:
“The only way to beat the cycle of domestic abuse is for victims, the police and partner agencies to unite and show that such criminal behaviour has no part in our society.
In supporting White Ribbon Day, Gwent Police officers hope to encourage those affected by domestic abuse to come forward to ensure that the perpetrators aren’t allowed to get away with it. If you are in an abusive relationship, don’t tolerate it – report it to the police and get the help and support you need.”
Gwent Police operates a dedicated domestic abuse violence unit, which provides support to both men and women who are victims of domestic abuse.
All Gwent Police Officers and staff have received an individual white ribbon to wear on White Ribbon Day, along with a letter from Deputy Chief Constable Carmel Napier outlining every member of staff’s personal responsibility to tackle domestic abuse – from arresting offenders to supporting the victims.”
