[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Local Labour campaigners have joined together to take the White Ribbon pledge to say no to violence against women.
Machynlleth Branch Labour Party recently met local anti-violence campaigner, Joyce Watson AM and Powys councillor Matthew Dorrance, and jointly pledged their support to the White Ribbon campaign.
The branch plan to organise activity next year to support victims of violence and to raise awareness of the issue.
Following the meeting in Machynlleth Bowling Club Joyce Watson AM said:
“The impact of abuse can be hidden in small local communities, leaving victims feeling isolated, vulnerable, and distant from some support services.
“The figures are stark. In the first 10 months of this year – just 304 days – 102 women were killed by men across the UK – that’s one woman every three days.
“The fact that more than two women a week are killed by a current or former partner shows just how big a problem domestic violence is across the UK.
“Violence against women affects women of all ages, from all social classes, urban and rural.
“I am pleased that Machynlleth Branch Labour Party members have supported the simple White Ribbon pledge: to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and children.
“White Ribbon activity has grown year on year, with events in Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, Aberystwyth, Llandudno, Usk and across Wales, alongside activity at the Senedd in Cardiff, to say no to violence against women and children.
“I look forward to the day when we don’t have to campaign, but while we see figures like these we must carry on – it’s important the message gets out far and wide.
“To end violence against women we need a culture change. We need people to speak out about it and condemn it.”
The Mid and West Wales AM began White Ribbon activity in Wales 11 years ago with the first White Ribbon service at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff.
Mrs Watson organised the fifth National Assembly for Wales Day of Action with the Women’s Institute to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Each year they work with male ambassadors from across Welsh life to join together to ask men to sign the White Ribbon pledge.
Mrs Watson has attended and supported events and activities across Wales during the 16 days of activism which follow White Ribbon Day.
Most major sporting bodies have signed up to the campaign, while all public bodies have workplace policies, and Wales is now leading the world in its actions.
Welsh Government last year published legislation and appointed a National Adviser for Violence against Women and other forms of Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence, or has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, or are worried about a friend or relative who is experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence – should call the All Wales Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Helpline for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. UK Freephone: 0808 80 10 800.
For further information about Joyce Watson AM’s work, go to https://www.joycewatson.org.uk/.
To find out more about the White Ribbon campaign in the UK, go to http://www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
