POLICE officers and police staff across Redditch will be wearing white ribbons on Wednesday to show support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence.
Wednesday, November 25 is International White Ribbon Day, part of a national and global movement campaigning for an end to violence against women across the world.
West Mercia Police are supporting the day to highlight the work the force does to protect all victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse affecting men, women and children.
Detective Superintendent Steve Eccleston, Head of Protecting Vulnerable People and the alliance lead on domestic violence and abuse said: “Police officers and staff across the region will be wearing a white ribbon on Wednesday to show that we support the efforts in raising awareness of domestic violence and the effect it has on families and to show our commitment to tackling this abuse.
“This means if you’re experiencing abuse or violence from either your partner or a family member, you can speak to us and we will take what you say seriously and with our partners we will do everything we can to protect you from harm.”
“We know that domestic violence and abuse happens to people from all walks of life and communities, it can be emotional abuse or physical abuse. We want you to know that if you contact us, we will help you get the support that is right for you, please don’t accept that the abuse is part of the relationship, we can help it stop.”
Police are working hard with partners to ensure people vulnerable to domestic violence and abuse get the support that is right for them. A multi-agency training magistrates’ training session was held earlier this year and plans are underway to train all witness care staff in the complexities associated with domestic violence and abuse. In some cases victims will be given fully portable alarms so they are not confined to an address, but still have the protection of an alarm.
If you are concerned that a partner or a relative’s partner may have been abusive in the past, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, commonly referred to as Clare’s Law can provide a formal mechanism for you to make enquiries. Click here for more information.
We work closely with West Mercia Domestic Violence and Abuse Support Line* where you can get more information about the support, help advice and safety planning. This service is confidential and free from landlines.
0800 980 3331 – Worcestershire
You can also visit the West Mercia Police website call the police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers UK anonymously on 0800 555 111, in an emergency, always call 999.
