25/11/20
The symbol of the global movement of men andboys working to end violence against women and girls has been beamed onto the Castle Keep, one of Cardiff's most iconic landmarks, to markUnited Nations Day for the elimination of violence against women and girls.

More commonly known as White Ribbon Day, November 25 every year is an opportunity to raise awareness of the movement, whichworks towards ending male violence against womenand promote gender equality. Thecampaign engages men to stand up and speak out to make their commitment to ending violence against women and girls known.

The White Ribbon was projected onto the walls of the castle keep, signalling Cardiff'scommitment and aspiration for afuture without male violence against women, while the flowerbed outside the Castle has also been planted with white flowers in the shape of a ribbon.

A series of digital events is being held in support of White Ribbon Day including a virtual candlelit vigil, multi-agency awareness-raising and training sessions for professionals, as well as public online events for anyone who would like to find out more about services and support available in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. The events conclude on December 10which marks United Nations Human Rights Day.

Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, Cllr Susan Elsmore: "It is more important than ever in these challenging times that we make our stance against any forms of domestic abuse and violence in this high profile way.

"Historically campaigns around ending violence against women and girls have been seen solely seen as a women's issue, but recognition is now given to the importance of engaging men in the campaigns. The majority of men believe that any form of violence and abuse targeted towards women and girls is unacceptable but often do not speak up to make this known.  It is this silence that allows negative behaviours, and attitudes that underpin them, to go unchallenged and sadly, in some cases, to flourish.

"The White Ribbon campaign encourages men to ‘speak up' and ‘speak out' - to make clear that they will not condone, excuse or remain silent about male violence. Over the past few years hundreds of men have done that in a very public way in our Walk a Mile in Her Shoes events through the city centre, but sadly this isn't possible this year.

"But ‘speaking up and speaking out' is always possible, and more important than ever due to the significant increase in violence, harassment and abuse experienced by women, and perpetrated by men, during the coronavirus pandemic.

"We urgently need to work together to prevent violence and abuse, making sure our communities and homes are safe for everyone. No one should live in fear."

The programme of events for the White Ribbon campaign, including details how to attend, is available here:   https://www.cardiffandvalersb.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/White-Ribbon-Calendar-of-Events-2020.pdf

For more information on the White Ribbon Campaign, visitwww.whiteribbon.org.uk

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If you or someone you know is experiencing violence against women, domestic abuse or sexual violence you can seek help and support from the Live Fear Free service.

@LiveFearFree #LiveFearFree Phone 0808 80 10 800 Text 0786 007 7333

Email info@livefearfreehelpline.wales

Live chat gov.wales/livefearfree