PSNI add support to campaign on violence against women
09 Nov 2009
Women’s Aid in Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey are delighted that PSNI in H District are adding their support to their ‘White Ribbon’ Campaign.
Women’s Aid launched their White Ribbon Campaign on 25 November 2008. On 10 December 2008, 100 ‘Champions’ gathered at the Templeton Hotel (including PSNI representatives). Women’s Aid has since been gathering signatures from individuals who also pledge ‘never to commit, condone or stay silent about violence against women’.
The White Ribbon Campaign is an international campaign, and runs for 16 days from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
Women’s Aid has two events planned for this year’s ’16 Days of Action’. On 25 November, Speaker of the Assembly William Hay will be presented with a framed Charter, in the Great Hall at Parliament Buildings, signed by all 108 MLAs, supporting the campaign.
On 30 November, Women’s Aid are inviting the original 100 Champions back to an event in Larne where all the signatures gathered over the year will be presented to a VIP representative.
Speaking of the support given by PSNI in H District, Fran O’Boyle said: "PSNI and Women’s Aid ABCLN have always had a very good working relationship. In the past year we have established our ‘Rendezvous Project’, along with other agencies such as Victim Support and local solicitors, to provide a one-stop-shop for victims of domestic violence under one roof. We know how supportive PSNI are of our services and how committed they are to treating domestic violence as a crime. We very much welcome this latest statement of support."
Police Inspector Michael Daly said: “Domestic abuse affects people of all ages and from all walks of life - no one is immune. It is a particularly abhorrent crime, as it is often committed behind closed doors and out of sight, within the family home.
“The police in H District which includes the Ballymena, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Moyle and Larne areas, treat this type of crime very seriously indeed.
“We fully support the 'White Ribbon' Campaign, which provides men with an opportunity to show that they will not condone the abuse of women. If we are to see a reduction in domestic abuse, men need to play their part by not staying silent about such matters, and should take this opportunity to make a worthwhile contribution by coming forward with information regarding those who engage in this most despicable of crimes.
“The ongoing success of the campaign reflects the strength of feeling there is in our society towards violent crime in the home. I firmly believe that the campaign will help to raise awareness of this important issue, and will serve as a timely reminder to offenders and potential offenders that there is no hiding place for those who commit acts of Domestic Abuse.”
