Welsh Government supports White Ribbon Day

On 25 November the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It is also White Ribbon Day which provides an opportunity to reflect on how, in Wales, we can make violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence a thing of the past. The Welsh Government does not believe that violence against women is inevitable and we are committed to preventing it.  

Leader of the House and Chief Whip, Julie James, who now has responsibility for this important work, will speak and light a candle at a multi-faith remembrance service in Llandaff Cathedral on Monday 27 November in support of those victims of domestic abuse who may be suffering in silence.  The service is organised by BAWSO in partnership with Llamau, New Pathways,  Safer Wales and Cardiff  Women’s Aid. 

On 25 November, a joint initiative between the Welsh Government and Cadw will see images of the White Ribbon projected onto The Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay and Caerphilly, Caernarfon and Conwy Castles from 5-8pm in order to raise awareness of the day.

Other events include a lunchtime cross party event in the Oriel at the Senedd on 21 November, where a debate will be held on engaging men and boys in challenging all forms of violence against women. During the evening a multi-party vigil will take place at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay.  

On 23 November, both the Leader of the House and Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, will take part in a walk through Carmarthen, organised by the Women’s Institute. On 24 November, Joyce Watson, AM, has organised a walk through Harlech concluding at Harlech Castle. 

The UN describes violence against women as a global pandemic. It is an incredibly serious problem; for the world and for Wales. It includes (but is not limited to) domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence, sexual exploitation, honour based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

The Leader of the House and Chief Whip said:

“I am honoured to have become responsible for this important work following the tragic death of my colleague and friend, Carl Sargeant. This agenda was of huge importance to him and I am determined to continue to build on that work, with equal passion and commitment.”  

“The Welsh Government has been accredited as a White Ribbon organisation since 2014 and over the past few years, we have led a national response to tackling violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.  We broke new ground with the introduction of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) Act in 2015. This landmark legislation was created to end violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence in Wales; to protect those at risk and to prevent abuse happening in the first place.”

“We are proud of progress to date, but there is more to do”. 

“We must continue working together to change attitudes, so that it is understood that abusive behaviours are not acceptable and will not be tolerated in Wales”. 

“By raising awareness of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence, and their impact, we can continue to build a society which does not tolerate these abhorrent acts”. 

“We must continue working towards a Wales where every body can live fear free”.