CHESHIRE Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane is calling on residents across Cheshire to stand up against domestic abuse, and encouraging residents not to suffer in silence.
Today is White Ribbon Day, which was originally launched in Canada in 1991, and is an international campaign where men pledge to “never excuse, commit or remain silent about male violence against women’”
Mr Keane said: “The vast majority of domestic violence is committed by men against women, but it’s not just something women should be championing the fight against. This has to change and I call on all men to take the White Ribbon Pledge in order to challenge this unacceptable culture.”
The Commissioner’s call follows his pledge as a White Ribbon Ambassador and his successful challenge to Cheshire Constabulary to follow his lead and become White Ribbon accredited.
“I’m really pleased that Cheshire Constabulary have committed to White Ribbon status, as well as Cheshire Fire and many of our local councils, and I’m confident that we will be the first county to achieve White Ribbon Status together,” Mr Keane added.
“One of the foundations of my Police and Crime plan is to support victims and protect the vulnerable, it’s something we prioritise as a service every single day. But events like White Ribbon Day enable us to bring greater awareness of this issue and encourage men to take action against violence towards women. We hope this will also help encourage victims of domestic violence to take action and not suffer in silence”.
Chief Inspector Gareth Lee, the force lead for domestic abuse said: “Protecting the public, particularly those who are most vulnerable, is one of the most important responsibilities placed on Cheshire Constabulary. We hope that the national campaign reinforces our year round message, that domestic abuse in any form is just not acceptable.
“Domestic abuse can include any behaviour which is threatening or violent. It can be psychological, physical, sexual, verbal or emotional. And it can happen to anyone. We know that women and men can often suffer for years in silence before reporting crimes against them to the police, and I cannot stress enough that you do not have to suffer in silence. We are here for you, and we want you to have the confidence in us to come forward and report it.”
For more information about seeking help against domestic abuse or violence people can visit the Constabulary’s website www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/domestic-abuse.
For more information on the White Ribbon Day visit http://www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/
