White Ribbon Day 2021

Dyfed-Powys Police is proud to be supporting the campaign to end male violence against women again this year. The force has taken a stand to end all male violence against women by being White Ribbon Accredited, and are flying the White Ribbon Flag at Police Headquarters in Carmarthen, to demonstrate their determination to tackle all violence against women as a priority.

White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people, and especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence. To wear a white ribbon is to promise to never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

Each year domestic abuse services and partners hold events to raise the profile of the campaign and White Ribbon Day itself, which takes place on November 25.

Temporary Chief Constable Claire Parmenter said: “I am proud to be wearing my white ribbon today and supporting the global campaign to end violence against women.

“Victims need to have the confidence to report domestic abuse to us, and this is an opportunity to show my commitment to work with partners to provide the help and support they need. I’m proud that we continue with our White Ribbon accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to take a stand in tackling all violence against women.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn added: “The White Ribbon Campaign highlights an important message for us every year: Creating a future without male violence against women.

“Children as well as victims are impacted by this type of abuse, and the effects are often long lasting and can significantly increases their vulnerability and risk in adulthood.

“It is a priority for us to work with partners to ensure they are given the help and support they need.

“Join us in pledging never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. We continue to hold our UK White Ribbon accredited status, working on an action plan to achieve the best service for vulnerable victims and survivors.”

Dyfed-Powys Police achieved accreditation as a result of working with White Ribbon UK to draft a 3 year action plan to set the goals which will ensure we tackle violence against women. The action plan is our commitment to achieve the best service for vulnerable victims and survivors, and that we improve wherever possible.

White Ribbon Day also sees the start of 16 days of action globally, and in the Dyfed-Powys regional partnership. Goleudy (Victim and Witness Service) and Threshold DAS (Support for individuals affected by Domestic Abuse, Coercive Control & Stalking) service providers will be at the Elli Centre in Llanelli between 10am-2pm on White Ribbon Day (November 25) to talk about Violence Against Women.

Dyfed-Powys Police will also be raising awareness of Cyberstalking with domestic abuse teams and partners so that they know how to advise victims to stay safe from this type of abuse, and myth-busting around abuse of older people, to help break down barriers and encourage them to report.

Carmarthenshire County Council will be lighting the County Hall in purple to reflect the colours of the Live Fear Free helpline, and have created a video to raise awareness -  https://vimeo.com/643902376  

For more information on the White Ribbon campaign, or to make your pledge to end violence against women, visit www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk

Anyone who feels they are the victim of abuse, or who is worried about a friend or family member, can call police on 101 or report online https://bit.ly/DPP101Online or call Live Fear Free on 0808 80 10 800.

To learn more about Live Fear Free, visit www.livefearfree.gov.wales

For free, confidential support contact Goleudy, a commissioned service for victims and witnesses of crime. Call 0300 123 2996, email [email protected] or visit www.goleduyvictimandwitnessservice.org.uk. Open Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm.

Signs to look out for:

• They seem afraid of their partner or family member, or very anxious to please them
• Their partner often criticises or humiliates the other in front of people
• They may be absent from work or social occasions - being isolated from friends, colleagues and family
• You can see physical injuries (bruises, broken bones, sprains, cuts etc) and may have been given unlikely explanation for recurrent injuries
• They are reluctant to leave children with their partner
• Evidence of damage to their property
• Increased dependence on alcohol or drugs
• Low self-esteem or changes in personality
• Their partner is constantly checking up on them, messaging, phoning or turning up unexpectedly

For support and advice:

• Call the abuse and violence helpline Live Fear Free helpline on 0808 8010 800
• Download the free Bright Sky app – it’s full of information and has a secret setting to help protect your privacy
• Visit Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application | Dyfed-Powys Police to learn about a scheme where you can find out if your current or potential partner has a history of abuse or violence.
• Visit ncdv.org.uk for free legal help, quickly

If you’re reporting to police as abuse is happening call 999.