Gwent PCC on Domestic Violence
As part of our new campaign, #BehindClosedDoors, we've invited a series of guests to write blog posts for us on the topic of domestic abuse. We understand this is a deeply personal and sensitive topic, if you feel reading this blog post will be traumatising for you in any way, we advise caution. However, we are committed to opening the door on domestic abuse in our communities and we urge you to have these difficult conversations in our churches. You can find a host of resources to help you get started and advice on steps to take if you are concerned for yourself or someone you know.
If you want to become involved in our campaign, you can do so through social media or by submitting a blog post to our Digital Communications Officer.
We want to thank Commissioner Jeff Cutherbert for writing the following post:
On the 25th November, we marked White Ribbon Day. A day where thousands of people across the UK stand up, spoke out and said no to violence against women.
Sadly, we know that cases of rape, sexual violence and domestic abuse have increased during the Covid-19 pandemic.
While we know that men can be victims of these crimes too, women make up the majority of victims by far.
The latest Femicide Census report shows that in 2018 149 women were killed by men in the UK. More than half were killed by a former spouse or partner, and almost all of them were committed by a man known to the victim.
Tackling male violence against women is all of our responsibility. If you are experiencing domestic abuse yourself, or have concerns about a friend or family member, then please know that help is available. You do not have to suffer in silence.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or has concerns about a friend or family member, can contact the Live Fear Free helpline on 0808 80 10 800.
To report a crime contact 101. In an emergency call 999.
To raise awareness of this shocking figure people across Gwent are taking part in the #149Challenge - https://www.gwent.pcc.police.uk/en/news-room/blog-national-safeguarding-week
This could be anything from walking or running for 149 minutes, baking 149 cakes, or lighting 149 candles.
To see what people in Gwent have been doing for the challenge search for #149Challenge on Twitter.