Nobody should live in fear – fighting violence against women and girls

Devon and Cornwall Police is supporting White Ribbon Day today and are encouraging others to get involved. 

Everyone, particularly men and boys, are encouraged to make the White Ribbon promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.

"The message is loud and clear - nobody should live in fear", said Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell of Devon and Cornwall Police. 

Monday 25th November marks the national day of remembrance and action around violence against women and girls; it’s when men show their year-long commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

Individuals and organisations are inspired to take positive action to challenge harmful cultures and behaviours that contribute to a a fear of violence for women in their day-to-day lives.

Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell, who wears his white ribbon with pride, said: "Devon and Cornwall Police fully supports this significant event; it forms part of our commitment to securing and improving outcomes for victims of offending and combatting violence against women and girls. This is a key priority for the force."

Alongside this notable date, the force will be launching its ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence’ campaign that runs until 10 December.

This multi-agency initiative helps raise awareness of, and prevent violence against women and girls with various events across Devon and Cornwall; these include talks, webinars, storytelling, films, candlelit vigils, exhibitions, workshops and a flashmob in Exeter.

Whoever you are, if anyone has been a victim of violence or harassment they are encouraged to report it to Devon and Cornwall Police via the Force website www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/tua. If anyone is in immediate danger, they should always call 999.

Chief Constable Colwell added: "We are focusing on the identification, pursuit, and prosecution of perpetrators of violence, and other offending, against women and girls, and bringing those perpetrators to justice.

"We encourage the public to help raise awareness around gender-based violence by joining in with the various activities and events happening over the next 16 days, organised by our partners in local authorities, community safety partnerships, charities and other support agencies."

Detective Superintendent Nicky Seager, who is part of the Protecting Vulnerable People (PVP team for the Force, added: "Tackling violence against women and girls remains a priority for Devon and Cornwall Police and the force has set a clear strategic focus on improving investigation standards and the service provided to victims.

"White Ribbon Day and the 16 days campaign help to raise awareness about this issue and provide messaging around calling out behaviours of concern and preventing violence against women and girls.

"Our neighbourhood teams are working actively with partners on a range of initiatives to ensure the safety of women and girls in Devon and Cornwall and for anyone out at night that may feel vulnerable."

Devon and Cornwall Police will be promoting events and sharing safety messaging via their corporate social media channels. Information about local events can be found at these websites:

Plymouth 16 Days of Activism | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK

Devon 16 Days of Action in Devon - Safer Devon

Information about White Ribbon Day can be found here: www.whiteribbon.org.uk