Council once again achieves White Ribbon status

As we look ahead to White Ribbon Day on November 25, we’re proud to announce that we have once again been recognised with White Ribbon UK accredited status.

The council has achieved the White Ribbon UK accredited status for the second time running and as an authority we will continue to work to raise awareness around domestic abuse and to contribute to ending male violence against women.

The council previously achieved White Ribbon status in August 2018. The status was in place for two years.

White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people, especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence.

Whilst we know domestic abuse affects both sexes, the largest number of violent incidents involve men against women.

To support White Ribbon Day this year, for the first time, we will be lighting up County Hall in purple (the colours of the Live Fear Free national helpline) as well as once again flying the White Ribbon flags in our council buildings across the county - County Hall, and the town hall’s in Ammanford and Llanelli. You will also see a message on your November payslip with a link to the White Ribbon website.

There are a number of things you can do to show your support to the campaign:

• Make the promise online to “never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.”
• Men can also sign up to become an Ambassador or women a Champion to help promote awareness of the campaign and engage with men and boys to step up and call out violent behaviour among their ‘peers.’

Support and advice for anyone affected by domestic abuse is available by calling Live Fear Free on 0808 80 10 800. For local advice you can contact Threshold (Llanelli) on 01554 752 422; Calan DVS (Ammanford) on 01269 597 474 Carmarthen Domestic Abuse Service (CarmDAS) on 01267 238 410 who provide support to both men and women 9am-5pm.

More information on the campaign can be found on the White Ribbon website.