White Ribbon Day 2024

Each year, at least one in every 12 women and girls in the UK is the victim of violence or abuse.

That is according to a recent report from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing. Based on the estimated population figures for Gwent, this means about 25,000 women and girls will be subjected to violent and abusive behaviour in our communities every year.

Tackling violence and abuse against women and girls was one of the manifesto pledges upon which I was elected, and it will form a prominent part of the Police and Crime Plan I am developing which will set out my priorities for my term in office.  

We know that many of these crimes will go unreported, and we know that most of them will be committed by men. Of course, men can be victims of abuse too, and my office funds specialist services to provide support to male victims. However, we can’t hide from the fact that these are crimes predominantly committed by men against women and as a society we simply must stop making excuses for poor behaviours and attitudes towards women and girls.

I am particularly concerned about the growing popularity of vile misogynistic influencers online and the impact they have on the minds of young people about what is and is not acceptable behaviour. It is essential that we instil positive values in children, throughout their formative years, to help tackle these issues and I am very pleased to be funding some pilot work in our schools to encourage boys and young men to examine their attitudes and behaviours towards women.

During my time as Police and Crime Commissioner I intend to use all of the power available to me to work with Gwent Police and wider partners to take action to improve the experience of women and girls here in Gwent.

To mark this year’s White Ribbon Day (Monday 25 November) I have worked with Gallery 57 in Newport to bring a powerful art installation to Gwent Police’s headquarters that explores the themes of violence, abuse, misogyny and victim blaming.

‘Words Matter’ was originally curated for the campaigning organisation This Ends Now to mark International Women’s Day in March this year. It is a collection that makes you stop and think about society’s attitude towards women and girls, and the conversations it prompts are the conversations public and third sector organisations need to be having if we are serious about tackling these issues in our communities.

I am proud to back White Ribbon Day and I promise to do my part to tackle this evil in our society. If you have experienced abuse, then please reach out and tell someone. If you don’t feel able to speak with the police, you can contact the Live Fear Free 24/7 help line for advice and support.

Contact Live Fear Free on 0808 80 10 800 or visit www.gov.wales/live-fear-free