Beth Doherty
Today (25th November 2021) is White Ribbon Day – a national day of awareness about male violence against women.
It also sees the launch of the national 16 Days of Action campaign, with Wiltshire Police joining forces with key partnership agencies to tackle domestic abuse in all its forms, against both men and women.
The campaign is supported by Wiltshire Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, local authorities, charities and healthcare providers.
Its launch coincides with the release of figures from the Office of National Statistics which reveal that one in five recorded crimes in Wiltshire, in the 12 months up to March 2021, involve domestic abuse.
According to Home Office figures, Wiltshire Police recorded a total of 14,237 domestic abuse-related crimes and incidents in the 12 months leading up to March 2021.
Whilst these figures are the 13th lowest figure of all 43 Forces in England and Wales, Wiltshire police and partnership agencies are determined to build on previous work to tackle domestic violence.
Detective Inspector Helen Clarke from Wiltshire Police said, “This year’s White Ribbon Day reflects our collective commitment, as a police force, as a society, to prevent violence against women and girls.
“We fully support this campaign as well as the following 16 days of action which focuses on all aspects of domestic abuse against anyone who is a victim of this crime.
“We will not stop after the 16 days of action either and will continue our work to tackle the perpetrators of violence towards women and men.
“With the help of our partners across the criminal justice system we are committed to making long-lasting change to the daily lives of anyone who faces coercion, and mental and physical violence from a partner. Whoever they are.”
Over the next 16 days, Wiltshire Police will be working with schools to promote healthy relationship messages to young people, encouraging people to look out for the potential signs of domestic abuse of colleagues they work with and highlighting the experiences of victims of domestic abuse.
Figures from 16 Days of Action show 25% of women and 16% of men are affected by domestic violence in their adult lifetimes. A further 75% of people who endure domestic violence are targeted at work and 68% of abused women miss at least three days of work a month.
People who are experiencing domestic abuse in Wiltshire can access local support from:
- SWA: Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service – A range of services to help both male and female victims of domestic abuse.
- 01793 610 610 A 24 hour helpline
- Splitz Support Service: county-wide help for those in need
- 01225 775276 (9am -5pm Monday – Friday/ Outside of these hours please call SWA’s 24 hour helpline on 01793 610 610 24)
- Always call 999 in an emergency.
David Harber
