Llanelli MP campaigning against domestic violence

As part of 16 days of action following the UN’s Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Nia Griffith MP is campaigning to raise awareness of domestic violence. She also attended the parliamentary launch of White Ribbon UK’s new campaign film “If Love Hurts” last Wednesday.

Nia Griffith MP explained: “White Ribbon’s poignant short film explores the tragedies and complexities of violence that takes place within relationships. It picks just one example of this, but the scale of domestic violence in the UK is huge.

“Two women are killed by a current or former partner every week in England and Wales, and almost all victims of domestic violence are women. These facts are absolutely shocking, and they show how far we still have to go to eradicate the scourge of domestic violence.

“I pay tribute to White Ribbon for reaching out to men through role models like sportsmen to try to change the culture and attitudes that often lead to the mistreatment of women. I wear my white ribbon as a pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. It is also a reminder that we must do everything we can to call out this behaviour when we see it.

White Ribbon UK’s film ‘If Love Hurts’ was written and directed by Peter Giblin. It was launched on 1st November and screened at the House of Commons on 28th November to an audience of MPs.

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive at White Ribbon UK said: “For real change to occur, men must understand the systems in place that give rise to toxic masculinity and male violence towards women. This film powerfully shows the impact of abuse in all its forms in relationships.

“White Ribbon UK asks men to take responsibility in ending male violence against women by being active bystanders, calling out abuse and sexism among their peers; talking openly about the male cultures that can lead to abuse and why men must take a stand against them.”

Ms Griffith added: “Tackling violence against women and girls also requires action at the level of national governments. The Istanbul Convention is the largest international effort to do this, by requiring countries who ratify it to provide support for domestic violence shelters and helplines, whilst offering counselling to survivors.

“As the First Minister made clear earlier this year, the Welsh Government has ensured that Wales already meets the obligations necessary to ratify the Istanbul Convention, but we now need action from the UK Government to do the same across the UK and come forward with legislation to ratify it.”