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MEN PREPARE TO STEP FORWARD AND LEAD THE WAY AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Next month, men of all ages and from all walks of life will proudly don a pair of women's shoes and descend on the Welsh capital to show their support for thecampaign to eradicate violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes'will take place on Friday 28thSeptember at 10.00am. Males from across Cardiff and beyond are encouraged to participate in the walk which starts at Cardiff Castle and follows a one mile route around the city centre.

Now in its fifth year, thepartnership project between Cardiff Council, Cadwyn Housing Association and the Vale of Glamorgan Councilhas grown from just 14 men in 2014, to record numbers of almost 140 turning out at last year's event.

If you would like to sign up to the event please go towww.walkinhershoes.wales

The event will be followed by an Ambassador event from 1.15-3.30am. This event is open to anyone who is already a White Ribbon Ambassador or who is interested in learning more. 

Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Elsmore said: "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes'is one of Cardiff's key events to promote the city's commitment to the White Ribbon Campaign and demonstrates excellent partnership working to raise awareness of violence against women, challenge attitudes and engage men in discussing these issues.

"This year we would like to recruit even more men to take part and I encourage organisations and members of the public to sign-up to this very significant event. Although there is an element of fun surrounding the event, the message is very clear - those taking part will not condone violence against women in any form."

Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport and Cardiff Council's Domestic Abuse Champion, Cllr Caro Wild added: "Cardiff is a White Ribbon City and this event shows that we adopt a zero tolerance approach to domestic violence against women. In the past the response to this event has been fantastic and as a White Ribbon ambassador I encourage other men to sign-up to be a part of this integral event,pledging never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women."

Chris O'Meara, Chief Executive of Cadwyn Housing Association said: "Tackling domestic abuse has always been a priority at Cadwyn and in 2014 we became the first housing association in Wales to put all our staff through domestic abuse training. It was also the year that we held the first Walk a Mile in Her Shoes with 14 men from Cadwyn donning a pair of women's shoes and walking a mile down Newport Road to raise awareness of the White Ribbon Campaign. The event has grown each year and I'm so proud of the support it has received from the people and organisations of Cardiff and the Vale. 

Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Leisure, Cllr Gordon Kemp said: "‘The Vale Council is proud to be a partner for the annual ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes' event in Cardiff.

"The White Ribbon Campaign is a worthwhile cause, which calls on all men to take a stand against sexism and gender-based violence in all forms. I hope as many people as possible can sign up to be a White Ribbon Ambassador or take part in the mile walk this year."

Organisers are also appealing forwomen's footwear for participants to wear on the day, so if you have any shoes in sizes ten or above that you no longer want, or if you are a retailer with generous women's footwear in stock that you could donate please come forward.

Join the conversation#whiteribboncardiffvale

Every year in the UK more than one million women suffer domestic abuse and more than 360,000 are sexually assaulted.  Although abuse against women is disproportionately higher, anyone can be affected by violence and abuse.

For more information about the White Ribbon Campaign or to sign-up to be an ambassador please visitwww.whiteribbon.org.uk

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse you can seek help and support from the Live Fear Free helpline:  0808 80 10 800 (24hr free confidential helpline) www.livefearfree.gov.wales