MEN OPPOSING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

The White Ribbon Campaign against domestic violence has been backed by leading members of Carmarthenshire County Council.

Council Leader Emlyn Dole and Chairman Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths have signed the campaign’s pledge not to commit or condone violence against women and girls.

In Carmarthen a group of organisations working to end domestic abuse have joined together with campaigning Welsh Assembly member Joyce Watson to organise the local White Ribbon Campaign, under the banner of “Not in my name”.

The fourth annual Candlelit Walk to remember women who have lost their lives as a result of male violence, will be held in the town centre on Thursday November 26, starting in the early evening. The walk will assemble outside the Vue Cinema in St Catherine’s walk at 5pm, walking through the town centre and finishing on the steps of the Law Court where there will be speakers and a short reflection. Council Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole will be taking part in the walk.

White Ribbon Day is The United Nation’s International day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and falls on November 25 every year. The White Ribbon Campaign aims to prevent violence against women and to promote respectful relationships.  It is led by men who are willing to take a stand against violence against women and girls and to be positive role models to other men in their community.

Every week in the UK, two women are murdered by a current or former partner.

Local data provided by Dyfed Powys Police, shows that between October 2014 and September 2015 for the Carmarthenshire local authority area, the police recorded 1,321 incidents of domestic abuse, 57 incidents involved young people aged 16-18 and 250 incidents were recorded as repeats involving the same people. Of those figures above, 1063 (80 per cent) victims were female.

Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole said: “I’m in full agreement with this campaign. We must do everything we can to stop domestic violence and to change the perception and stigma around it.”

Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths said: “I’m pleased to support this campaign to tackle domestic violence and would urge as many men and boys as possible to sign the pledge.”

Chief Executive Mark James said: “It is important that we work to end domestic violence and that people are not afraid to speak out and know that there is support from community organisations including the council.”

Executive board member, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership and Domestic Abuse Champion Cllr Pam Palmer said: “I’m very pleased that we, as a Council, continue to support this campaign. It is important that we realise that women and girls can be vulnerable to violence and we need to tackle it.”

The Carmarthen based groups organising the Walk are;

Carmarthen Domestic Abuse Services (formerly Carmarthen Women’s Aid), Hafan Cymru, Carmarthenshire Domestic Abuse Forum, Carmarthenshire WI, Carmarthen Soroptimists and Citizens Advice Witness Service.

For further information please contact Amanda Cox at Carmarthen Domestic Abuse Services. Telephone:  01267 238410, email: amanda@carmdas.org

Anyone wishing to support the campaign is welcome to:

• Buy and wear a white ribbon to show your support.
• Attend the candlelit walk on November 26, all welcome.
• Men and boys can sign the purple pledge book, available at the Carmarthen Journal Offices in King Street throughout November
• High profile, well known or influential male figures are asked to show their support by having their photos taken signing the pledge book or wearing white ribbons.  The campaign is always on the lookout for positive male role models eg sports teams who will show their support.

Anyone needing support with issues of domestic abuse can contact Carmarthen Domestic Abuse Services.  A Drop In service is available on weekdays between 10.00 and 12.00 am at their offices at 5-6, Queens Street, Carmarthen.  Telephone; 01267 238410.

Llanelli Women’s Aid in Station Road, Llanelli, can be contacted on tel: 01554 752 422. The outreach/information centre is open every day between 9am and 2pm It also offers an appointment system between 2pm and 4pm In addition to this, we provide a 24hr on call emergency service 365 days a year.

Amman Valley Women’s Aid outreach in Church Street, Ammanford, can be accessed by phoning 01269 597474. The Outreach worker will provide information and arrange contact. Outreach services are also available for children

There is also a free and confidential, 24 hour all Wales telephone helpline, Live Fear Free: 0808 80 10 800.