Deeside Politicians call for an end to violence against women. #WhiteRibbonDay

Domestic violence campaigner is urging men in Alyn and Deeside to join together to pledge that they will never commit, condone, or remain silent about it.

A long-time supporter of the White Ribbon campaign, to mark this year’s event on Wednesday, November 25, Alyn and Deeside AM Carl Sargeant has pinned white ribbons and messages of support to a horse chestnut tree at the junction of High Street and Wepre Drive in Connah’s Quay.

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.

“The statistics are appalling and show why the White Ribbon campaign is so vital in raising awareness and getting people talking about this frightening problem,” said Carl Sargeant.

“Anyone who would like to pin a message of support or ribbon for those suffering domestic abuse to the tree is welcome to do so, and there is also some helpline information there.

“Domestic violence is not and has never been acceptable, and I would like to call on the men of Alyn and Deeside to get behind the White Ribbon campaign’s aims and help in any way they can.”

Joining Mr Sargeant were Cllr Bernie Attridge, Flintshire Council’s White Ribbon Campaign Ambassador and representatives of Shotton-based Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU) Rachael Roberts, Sue Monti and trustee Cllr Pamela Attridge.

Flintshire Council was the first in North Wales to receive White Ribbon Town Award for Councils in recognition of its work to raise awareness and to support employees who may be suffering domestic abuse. DASU works with domestic violence survivors to support them in moving on from the devastation caused.

This year the Welsh Assembly passed the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act which will ensure the public sector focuses on preventing domestic abuse, sexual violence and violence against women, protecting victims and supporting those affected.

Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami said:

“Unfortunately, the horror of domestic abuse, rape, sexual exploitation and trafficking is still a reality for thousands of women across the UK. Violence against women, in any form, is unacceptable and should not be tolerated.

“I support the White Ribbon UK because men need to get involved in ending violence against women. I urge men to go to www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk and pledge their support for this important campaign.”