Swansea backs campaign to tackle violence against women

Swansea Council has announced that it is once again backing a national campaign to tackle male violence against women.

White Ribbon Day takes place on Friday (November 25) and sees thousands of people and organisations around the UK and beyond speak out to highlight the issue.

This year White Ribbon Day falls on the same week as the launch of the FIFA men’s World Cup with the focus on the attitudes and behaviours men and boys can adopt to move away from associations to violent and abusive behaviour.

On average Swansea Council’s Domestic Abuse Hub receives 295 referrals per month for children where domestic abuse has been identified in the family.

Over the last year, the Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) project has supported 1,643 victims of domestic abuse of which 1,504 were women while the Equilibrium Project has worked with more than 100 perpetrators to change their negative behaviours.

Alyson Pugh, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, said: “This week we can all make a commitment by making the White Ribbon Promise never to use, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. There is no excuse for abuse.

“As a council we will continue to work with our partners to educate staff and the wider public, raising awareness around violence against women in all its forms.  I want to reassure  anyone who is at risk  or experiencing abuse, that help is available.”

Also on Friday pupils from secondary schools in Swansea have been invited to take part in an event at Swansea Grand Theatre where they will come together for a discussion, take part in activities and create artwork around the White Ribbon Day themes.

The Domestic Abuse Hub was the first in Wales to launch a chatbot to ensure that all victims of domestic violence can be directed towards the support that is available 24/7.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)