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Standing up for the White Ribbon Campaign

Published: 25/11/2016

Organisations from across Flintshire have joined together to run events throughout this week to show their support of the International White Ribbon Campaign. Flintshire County Council members, officers, local residents, partner agencies, construction workers and members of the Fire & Rescue service are among many who have been wearing white ribbons to promote awareness of the campaign, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women. Flintshire County Council members joined partner agencies including DASU (Domestic Abuse Safety Unit), BAWSO (which provides specialist services to people from Black and Ethnic Minority backgrounds), Age Concern, Wales & West Housing Association, CAHA Women’s Aid,Hafan Cymru, North Wales Police & Health at the Queensferry Fire Station today, Friday 25 November, marking White Ribbon Day and International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. An event earlier in the week held at Deeside College aimed to promote the campaign amongst young people and raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence support services available. Councillor Kevin Jones, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “As a council we fully support this cause. Talking to young people and explaining the issues is just one of the ways to get the message out there. Wearing a white ribbon is another great way to show support.” Councillor Bernie Attridge, Deputy Leader of Flintshire County Council, and the White Ribbon Campaign Ambassador for Flintshire said: In 2014, Flintshire became the first Local Authority in North Wales to receive the White Ribbon Town Award for Councils. This shows our commitment to ending violence against women, and also our support of the international White Ribbon Campaign. Violence against women is completely unacceptable and we will do everything we can to raise awareness of the issue. Jackie Goundrey, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Co-ordinator at Flintshire County Council said: “The UN officially recognises the 25 November as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The White Ribbon is a symbol of hope for a world where women and girls can live free from the fear of violence. Wearing the ribbon is about challenging the acceptability of violence – by getting men involved, helping women to break the silence, and encouraging everyone to come together to build a better world for all.” Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of Wales & West Housing, said: “We fully support the White Ribbon campaign to help put an end to domestic violence. By working together with other organisations we can make an impact on raising awareness of what can go on behind closed doors.” 25 November at Queensferry Fire Station - showing their support are officers from Flintshire County Council, including Colin Everett - Chief Executive with Chief Officers Ian Bancroft, Andrew Farrow and Neal Cockerton with Cllrs Bernie Attridge, Paul Shotton and Ian Dunbar and representatives from the Fire Service, North Wales Police, BAWSO, DASU, Age Connects, Hafan Cymru, Wales & West Housing, Shotton Town Council, Ysgol Maes Garmon and Fr Steven Green from the Parish of Shotton.