Ammanford takes a stand on violence against women and girls

Joyce leads local groups and schools to say Not in my Name

People have come together (Thursday 23 November 2023) in Ammanford to say no to violence against women and girls.

Mid and West Wales Senedd Member Joyce Watson invited people to march through Ammanford, pledging to change the story on abuse.

She was joined by teachers and pupils from Ysgol y Bedol and Amman Valley School, councillors, emergency services, charities, domestic abuse services and individuals, all making a stand against violence.

People walked from the town’s cricket club to the Pensioners Hall.

Amman Valley School Head Boy Sion Davies and Head Girl Megan Keyte both gave excellent and powerful messages to raise awareness about violence against women and girls, and to speak about the work which the school is doing.

Head boy Sion Davies talked about respect, and about learning how to have healthy relationships.

Head girl Megan Keyte gave the background to how serious the situation is, and the work which is needed to change the story.

Other speakers included:

Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council Louvain Roberts, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MS Adam Price, Cllr Ann Davies, Carmarthenshire County Council cabinet member for Community Cohesion Planning Policy, Wendy Richards of Calan Domestic Violence Service and Garnant County Councillor Kevin Madge.

Joyce Watson MS, Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, said:

“So many people came together to say no to violence. It was particularly moving to hear Sion and Megan speak so well.

“We all deserve to live full, fear free lives, but the seeds of abuse are sown young.

“The level and the pressure of day-to-day harassment which pupils face now is both alarming and unacceptable.

“Culture change doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s only through catching young people at this stage, teaching about respect and kindness, that things will change.

“I believe it’s possible to end men’s violence against women and girls in our lifetimes, but we need to start with the basics.

“Abuse can start with showing off and silly comments, then build to more serious harassment.

“If left unchallenged, this behaviour can build to a pattern of violence which damages families and communities, and can cascade through generations.

“1.7 million women experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2022. Starting young we can change the story.”

This event took place ahead of White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, on 25 November. Joyce Watson MS began White Ribbon campaigning in Wales nearly 20 years ago.

Since 2012 Joyce Watson MS has worked with the WI (Women’s Institute in Wales), on the Not in my Name campaign. They have raised awareness across Wales and recruited men and boys to speak up against violence, abuse and harassment towards women and girls.

Mrs Watson added:

“Ending violence against women is everyone’s business. We all have a part to play in helping achieve societal change by challenging toxic attitudes that can lead to violence.

“Being allies with girls and women every day shouldn’t be underestimated — even the smallest actions can bring big change.

“We need to challenge attitudes in order to change behaviour, and we need to start young.

“We will not stop until everyone can live fear free.”

Support locally can be found at: Threshold (Llanelli) on 01554 752 422 or www.threshold-das.org.uk; Calan DVS (Ammanford) on 01269 597 474 or www.calandvs.org.uk; Carmarthen Domestic Abuse Service on 01267 238 410 or www.carmdas.org and Goleudy on 0300 123 2996 or www.goleudyvictimandwitnessservice.org.uk or call the Live Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800 or visit https://gov.wales/live-fear-free for free advice and support 24/7.