Devon & Cornwall Police reflect on White Ribbon Day
Yesterday (November 25) marked the International Day Against Violence Against Women
Devon and Cornwall Police say they are ‘committed’ to tackling misogyny and offending against women and girls.
They’ve been reflecting on White Ribbon Day, which happened yesterday, marking 16 days of action against gender based violence.
A ‘reclaim the night’ vigil took place on Friday in Newquay to honour women whose lives have been taken by violence, which you can found out more about on the Instagram page of The Womens Centre Cornwall.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Parker said: “Devon & Cornwall Police is committed to tackling misogyny and offending against women and girls. We are focussing on the identification, pursuit, and prosecution of perpetrators of violence, and other offending, against women and girls.
“Where offences have taken place, we are committed to identifying and recording these to understand the challenge, and to bring offenders to justice. We are committed to securing and improving outcomes for victims of offending and wider society and combatting Violence Against Women and Girls is a key priority for the force”.
You are urged to follow the force's social media channels over the coming days, where they will be posting information from the Home Office “Enough” campaign.
This campaign aimed to provide a guide on how simple acts of intervention by bystanders such as calling out or reporting unacceptable behaviour can prevent women and girls being abused or harmed.
There'll also be information about the Ask For Angela safety initiative for anyone who is being harassed when they are out and about, and the discreet safe reporting scheme for domestic abuse victims available through Boots and other participating pharmacies called Ask for ANI (Action Needed) Immediately).
In addition, you'll be able to find out about activities being conducted throughout 16 Days by the police's partners in local authorities, community safety partnerships, charities and other support agencies.
White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.
Everyone, especially men and boys, is encouraged to make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.
This year the charity’s theme is #ChangeTheStory, and you can find out more about White Ribbon UK on their website.
The force say 'nobody should live in fear', and if you have been a victim of violence or harassment, you are urged report it to Devon & Cornwall Police via the Force website or by calling 101.
If anyone is in immediate danger, always call 999.
Read more: Vigil hosted in Newquay to demand safety for women and girls