Dorset Police and Council backing White Ribbon Day
They're taking 16 days of action to tackle gender-based violence
Police and the Council in Dorset are doing what they can to tackle gender-based violence over the next week or do.
They're back the 16 Days of Activism campaign, starting on White Ribbon Day (Monday 25th November) - or the International Day Against Violence Against Women.
The county's police says they want to send a message that there is help out there from officers and partner agencies, and that nobody should live in fear.
They'll be showing support on their social media channels and providing information on places females can go for support.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said:
“Tackling violence against woman and girls remains a key priority for Dorset Police and we continue to work with our partner organisations to support victims, improve criminal justice outcomes and protect women and girls from harm.
“We want all members of our communities to feel safe and know that if they do become victims of crime they will be fully supported and we will take robust action against the perpetrators.”
Superintendent Neil Wright, Dorset Police’s operational lead for Violence Against Women and Girls, said:
“We are committed to supporting the most vulnerable members of our society and we have set a clear strategic focus on improving investigation standards and the service provided to victims.
“We have extremely good working relationships with our partners where we share information and intelligence and work together to protect all members of our communities, including women and girls, from harm.
“Our local policing teams also play a key role in working with partners on a range of initiatives to help women and girls feel safe when out in our communities, offering safe spaces and providing a visible presence on our streets.”
White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.
The campaign's also got the backing of Dorset Council.
Cllr Gill Taylor, Cabinet member Community Safety and Chair of the Dorset Community Safety Partnership, said:
“Domestic abuse, in all forms, is completely unacceptable. Dorset Council and our partners are committed to tackling it by preventing abuse from happening, supporting victims, and prosecuting offenders.
“I also want residents who are struggling and affected by domestic abuse to know that support is always available, and how to access it. If you are finding family life difficult, please reach out. Our partners at Paragon are there for you, whatever your age and no matter what time of day it is."
Cllr Stella Jones, Chair of Dorset Council, added:
“Domestic Abuse can have a devastating impact on someone’s life, their family, and the wider community around them.
“Across Dorset there are a range of support services that are available to people and their families who need them, and I am encouraging people to access them should they need them.
“This year Dorset Council is showing its support to ending domestic abuse by supporting the White Flag initiative. Starting today, we will be flying the White Ribbon flag at County Hall, demonstrating our commitment to people affected by domestic abuse, and coming together alongside the community to end domestic abuse.”