Deeside AM and campaigner against domestic violence at forefront of White Ribbon events in Cardiff today

Alyn and Deeside Assembly Member Carl Sargeant, an impassioned campaigner against domestic violence will take part in two White Ribbon day events at the Senedd in Cardiff today.

White Ribbon Day is on Friday but is marked in the National Assembly for Wales today where Alyn and Deeside AM Carl Sargeant will speak at two special events hosted by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes Wales (NFWI Wales) and Joyce Watson AM.

The lunch time event will focus on supporting domestic abuse survivors in the workplace and will hear from a survivor on this point and on implementing a Violence Against Women workplace policy from a representative of Admiral Group. NFIW Wales chair Ann Jones will talk about the body’s involvement in the Not in My Name campaign.

In the evening AMs will gather for a candlelight walk around the Pierhead building and hear words from those with experience of domestic violence, from NFIW Wales, speakers from each political party and Rhian Bowen-Davies, National Adviser for Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.

Carl Sargeant will speak at both events in his capacity as Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children.

“I think it’s important we all do our bit to support the White Ribbon campaign and continue to do so until gender violence stops,” said Carl Sargeant AM.

“Two women a week in Wales and England are killed by a violent partner or ex-partner – almost 40 per cent of all female homicide victims. Forty-five per cent of UK women have experienced some form of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, and at least 80,000 women suffer rape every year in the UK.

“We need to back the White Ribbon campaign, talk about it, spread the word and do what we can until dreadful statistics like these become a thing of the past.

“The Welsh Government is committed to tackling violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence, but we can’t do it alone so I urge everybody in Wales to make a stand and support us.”