Councillors from all parties and groups support White Ribbon Day

Councillors from all parties and groups at Bridgend County Borough Council have joined together with local authority staff to take a stand against domestic violence as part of White Ribbon Day 2021.

Taking place today (Thursday 25 November), White Ribbon Day marks the start of a 16-day campaign that aims to bring communities, organisations and workplaces together to say ‘no’ to violence against women and girls.

At Bridgend County Borough Council, councillors from all parties and groups as well as staff have had their photographs taken wearing white ribbons and have signed a new national pledge to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

Within Bridgend County Borough, the Mayor, Cllr John Spanswick is helping to raise awareness of the campaign at an event this morning run by the Assia Domestic Abuse service in Maesteg Market Square.

Cllr Spanswick said: “We are proud to be supporting White Ribbon Day this November. Each year, thousands of people stand up, speak out and say no to violence against women and girls. This year, the message is more important than ever with a significant increase in violence, harassment and abuse towards women.”

Cllr David White, the White Ribbon Champion for Bridgend County Borough, said: “We’re keen to help promote this campaign all too aware of the sad reality that there are some people in our local communities who are in fear of violence and abuse every single day of the year.

“It is crucial that men and women stand together to speak out about male violence and abuse towards women and girls, to bring debate and, ultimately, to make our streets and homes safer for women.

“No woman should have to live with fear, there is no place for fear or abuse in our society.”

The Assia Domestic Abuse Service run by the local authority supports people who are directly affected by domestic abuse and violence, or are worried about a relative or friend. It is named in memory of Pencoed resident Assia Newton, who was tragically murdered in her home in July 2013 following decades of domestic abuse.

For more details on White Ribbon Day or to sign the pledge to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women and girls, visit the White Ribbon Day website.

To access Domestic Abuse Support and Information, please contact the local authority’s domestic abuse service, Assia, on 01656 815919 or by emailing assia@bridgend.gov.uk.