A series of women’s ‘Well being’ drop-in centres will be held across Gwent on Wednesday, November 25, to mark the international day for the elimination of violence against women – White Ribbon Day.
At the six locations, women who have suffered violence, or know someone else who is a victim, will be able to speak to officers and receive the support of representatives from partner agencies about a range of issues including domestic violence.
Gwent Police officers and staff will also be donning white ribbons on Wednesday to show their support for the day, which began in Canada in 1991 as a campaign to end male violence against women.
The force’s School Liaison team will also be giving ‘Safer Relationships’ lessons to pupils across Gwent. The lesson discusses domestic abuse and what pupils should do if they, or someone they know, is suffering from this kind of unacceptable abuse.
The initiative, supported by the Police Federation and 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.
Between 1 October 2008 and 30 September 2009, Gwent Police recorded 8,382 incidents of domestic abuse, which is an average of 22 reports per day.
Gwent Police Deputy Chief Constable Carmel Napier said: “It is a disheartening statistic that one in four women in the UK is likely to suffer domestic abuse at some point in their lives. It can take many forms – it doesn’t only mean physical violence. Psychological and emotional abuse can have an equally devastating effect on the victim.
“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, Gwent Police officers and staff are demonstrating their personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. Frontline staff continue to receive specialist training to help them to 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 come to one of our women’s well-being drop-in centres on Wednesday if you can. You can of course report any such offence to us every day of the year, or 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 an important campaign as it highlights a crime that’s often committed behind closed doors. Violence against women is sometimes treated as a taboo subject but we should not shy away from drawing attention to it.
“Every woman and child is entitled to live without fear of violence. UNISON would urge any woman – or man – who has suffered violence at the hands of a male or female partner, to break their silence and report it. If you can get to the wellbeing sessions then please do. It could help you to get the support that you need to start to live a safer life.”
Jeff Mapps, Chair of the Gwent Police branch of the Police Federation, said: “All violence against women is unacceptable. The only way to beat the cycle of violence against women is for victims, the police and partner agencies to unite to demonstrate 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 violence to come forward to ensure that the perpetrators of this often hidden crime 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 you deserve.”
Gwent Police operates a dedicated domestic violence unit, which provides support to both men and women who are victims of domestic violence. 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 violence against women – from arresting offenders to supporting the victims.
On Tuesday, November 24 the force ran a rape awareness day for 90 police officers, staff and partner agencies such as Victim Support and the Survivors’ Trust, in order to promote a greater understanding of the trauma felt by victims of rape and sexual violence. It is hoped that an increased knowledge of the long-term impact of such crimes on the victim, through first-hand victim accounts, will enable Gwent Police to further enhance its support to those who suffer these devastating crimes.
