Aberystwyth students’ challenge to speak out against violence towards women

Aberystwyth University Labour Students are joining forces with Joyce Watson AM to issue a Not in my Name challenge across Ceredigion.
They are urging people to support a simple pledge: to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
They are backing the Not in My Name campaign, set up by Joyce Watson AM and The National Federation of Women’s Institutes – Wales, to recruit male ambassadors in the build up to International White Ribbon Day on 25 November.
The students will launch their campaign on Friday 15th November. They will be ensuring that the Union and University have a zero tolerance policy to sexual harassment and violence. Joyce Watson AM will join them in a candlelit vigil at 6pm outside the Student’s Union.
Bridie Sedgebeer, Secretary of Aberystwyth University Labour Students said:
“The Society has always had a proud history of supporting women and making sure their voices are heard.
“We believe that in the 21st Century that two women a week should not die at the hands of their partners or ex partners.
“Aberystwyth University Labour Student’s welcome the Welsh Labour Government’s Respect campaign and we will be working closely with the Student’s Union and NUS to ensure that “Lad Culture” is stamped out of our campuses.”
Joyce Watson AM(Mid and West Wales) said:
“It is important that young men and women work together to make a stand. Patterns of behaviour are set early, so this will help form healthy relationships, and support others where they see patterns of abuse developing.
“I am proud to support Aberystwyth students in this event.”
Since January, West Wales Women’s Aid has supported 157 women from Ceredigion, giving refuge to 45 women. The organisation also provides on-going support to 89 local children.
One in four women in Wales will experience domestic violence at the hands of a partner during their lives, and 150,000 women in Wales will suffer some form of gender-based violence.
“We cannot underestimate the importance of campaigns such as “not in my name”. By having the support and backing from men of all ages, and those men making a commitment to never condone or remain silent about violence against women shows how far male attitudes have positively progressed, and demonstrates that it will no longer be tolerated within today’s society”
Mrs Watson set up a White Ribbon Ambassadors Campaign to get Welsh sports figures to wear white ribbons and speak out some years ago. She added:
“It is vital that men change the culture, making the behaviour of a minority increasingly unacceptable.”
This event marks the start of two weeks of Not in my Name activity. This year’s campaign is focused on younger women and girls, and is working with schools and colleges to help create a culture where violent behaviour towards women and girls is unacceptable.
Other events include Light a candle services in Brecon Cathedral (17 November) and in St David’s Cathedral (25 November).
People can get involved by signing White Ribbon posters, organising or attending events, and by sending messages of support.
Further details are available from Joyce Watson on www.joycewatson.org.uk, or the NFWI-Wales http://www.thewi.org.uk/wi-in-wales