DORSET Police and the police and crime commissioner (PCC) are showing support for 'White Ribbon Day' and '16 Days of Activism' against gender-based violence.

Monday, November 25, marks the International Day Against Violence Against Women, with 16 days of action then taking place until Tuesday, December 10. 

With violence and harassment disproportionately affecting women and girls, police and the PCC are backing the campaign to send a message that there is help out there from police and partner agencies and that nobody should live in fear.

Throughout the 16 days, Dorset Police will be showing its support on social media and providing information on the various places women and girls can go to for support.

Assistant chief constable Mark Callaghan said: “Tackling violence against woman and girls remains a key priority for Dorset Police and we continue to work with our partner organisations to support victims, improve criminal justice outcomes and protect women and girls from harm.

“We want all members of our communities to feel safe and know that if they do become victims of crime they will be fully supported and we will take robust action against the perpetrators.”

Superintendent Neil Wright, Dorset Police’s operational lead for violence against women and girls, said: “We are committed to supporting the most vulnerable members of our society and we have set a clear strategic focus on improving investigation standards and the service provided to victims.

“We have extremely good working relationships with our partners where we share information and intelligence and work together to protect all members of our communities, including women and girls, from harm.

“Our local policing teams also play a key role in working with partners on a range of initiatives to help women and girls feel safe when out in our communities, offering safe spaces and providing a visible presence on our streets.”

Dorset PCC David Sidwick said: “I fully support White Ribbon Day and encourage all men to engage in this important campaign and help end the silence around violence against women and girls.

“I have always been very clear that it is not up to women to continually find ways to ‘stay safe’. We all need to push for change across our society and tackle the deep-seated issues which lead to these heinous crimes.

“While White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Activism campaign are crucial tools in raising awareness of these despicable crimes, I want the public to know that both Dorset Police and my office is committed to dealing with these reprehensible offences 365 days a year.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is not only a priority for the force, but a key part of my police and crime plan, and I reiterate my wholehearted commitment to creating an environment in Dorset where women and girls can live their lives free from fear of abuse and violence.”

White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.

Everyone, especially men and boys, is encouraged to make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.

For more information visit www.whiteribbon.org.uk