Domestic abuse work recognised

CARMARTHENSHIRE Council has once again been recognised for its work to combat domestic abuse.

It has achieved the White Ribbon UK accredited status for the second time running and departments will continue to work to raise awareness around domestic abuse and to contribute to ending male violence against women.

The White Ribbon campaign is a global initiative that encourages people, especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence.

To show its commitment County Hall in Carmarthen will be lit up in purple on White Ribbon Day tomorrow and the White Ribbon flags will be flying in council buildings at Llanelli and Ammanford.

Carmarthenshire Council cabinet member for communities and rural affairs and chair of the Safer Communities Partnership, Cllr Ann

Davies, said: “I am pleased that we were again successful in receiving accreditation from the campaign and recognising the work we have done. The figures in the past 12 months are still too high and that is those that have come forward to seek support. The pandemic has seen a significant rise in the number of referrals so it is vital that we do whatever we can to encourage people not too remain silent and speak out and seek support.”

Support and advice for anyone affected by domestic abuse is available by calling Live Fear Free on 0808 80 10 800.

For local advice you can contact Threshold (Llanelli) on 01554 752 422; Calan DVS (Ammanford) on 01269 597 474 Carmarthen Domestic Abuse Service (CarmDAS) on 01267 238 410, which provide support to both men and women from 9am to 5pm. More information on the campaign can be found on the White Ribbon website.