Powerful art exhibition hosted in police headquarters to mark White Ribbon Day

A powerful exhibition of artworks that aims to prompt conversations about violence against women and girls has been unveiled at Gwent Police’s headquarters in Cwmbran to mark White Ribbon Day.

‘Words Matter’ was originally curated by Newport’s Gallery 57, to highlight the powerful message of campaigning organisation This Ends Now. It was launched to coincide with International Women’s Day in March.

It includes more than 20 works from artists across the UK and explores themes of violence, misogyny and victim blaming. It will be seen by police officers and staff from across Gwent in the run up to White Ribbon Day on Monday 25 November.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: “I am really pleased to work with Gallery 57 and Gwent Police to ensure that Gwent’s police officers and staff will have the opportunity to experience these works. This is a collection that makes you stop and think about society’s attitude towards women and girls, and the conversations it prompts are particularly important as we mark White Ribbon Day.

“Bringing this exhibition into police headquarters, and encouraging these discussions, is just one of the things we are doing to reset the focus on violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and sexual violence, and enable us to make a real difference to our communities.”

The exhibition will on display at Gwent Police’s headquarters in Cwmbran in the run up to White Ribbon Day and officers and staff from across Gwent’s five counties will be given the opportunity to visit.

T/Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said: “Male violence against women and girls takes many forms, and as police service, we are committed to bringing offenders to justice and protecting victims and survivors. These crimes have devastating effects, which is why our community in Gwent must stand together against male violence.

“The art displayed at our headquarters powerfully conveys the attitudes that allow violence against women and girls to happen. We are supporting the White Ribbon Day campaign to encourage men to hold themselves accountable and change the behaviour that contribute to a fear of violence for women and girls in their daily lives.

“We have taken positive steps to improve our own culture and the service we offer victims, but we recognise there’s more work to do. We will continue to prioritise tackling violence against women and girls to rebuild trust and confidence.”

The exhibition was loaned to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office by Newport gallery, Gallery 57.

Owner Nicole Garnon said: “The idea for this exhibition was inspired by the fantastic work being done by This Ends Now. We put out a call out for artists to submit work around the theme Words Matter and the response from artists all over the country was incredible.

“It was one of the best attended exhibitions we have held in the gallery during the three weeks it was here and is now set to be exhibited again next March in Pontypridd Museum following a request from Labour cabinet minister Alex Davies-Jones.

“We are delighted that it has struck a chord with so many people and I thank Gwent Police for inviting me to show the work in their headquarters.”

Not-for-profit organisation, This Ends Now, is a powerful force for change, campaigning tirelessly to eradicate male violence against women and girls (MVAWG).

Recognising the deep-rooted societal issues caused by patriarchy, This Ends Now

creates thought-provoking and strategic campaigns to end misogyny, engage men, raise awareness and lobby for real change to drive progress towards a future free from gender-based oppression, violence and fear.

To read about TEN’s Words Matter Reporting Guidelines, created with

Gloucestershire Constabulary, visit this link.

Co-founder and Managing Director of This Ends Now, Sydney McAllister, said: “We are encouraged to see Gwent Police engaging with the critical issues of preventing misogyny and victim-blaming in the reporting of crimes of male violence against women and girls (MVAWG) by hosting the incredible Words Matter exhibition at their HQ this week. We hope it inspires reflection and encourages the police to reframe the conversation around MVAWG, fostering a culture of accountability.”