Thames Valley Police signs up to White Ribbon accreditation

THAMES Valley Police has become the latest organisation to announce it has signed up for White Ribbon accreditation.

The campaign aims to tackle causes of male violence against women, with an emphasis on encouraging society, particularly men and boys, to work on changing behaviours and cultures that lead to abuse and violence.

Wearing a white ribbon is making a promise to never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

Thames Valley Police announced the news on International Women’s Day – Tuesday – and said it would be launching an action plan in November.

This will set out the force’s commitment to achieve the best service for vulnerable victims and survivors, and support on-going work to tackle violence, abuse and intimidation against women and girls (VAIWG).

Force Strategic Lead for Violence Against Women and Girls, ACC Tim De Meyer says of the White Ribbon Accreditation: “I am honoured to lead the effort of Thames Valley Police towards obtaining White Ribbon accreditation this year.

“Ending violence against women and girls is a priority for Thames Valley Police.

“The White Ribbon commitment attests to this and to our determination to tirelessly serve victims, thoroughly investigate crimes against women and girls and relentlessly pursue their abusers.

“I and Thames Valley Police will not tolerate, accept or ignore violence against women and girls.”

ACC Meyer made the Promise and became an Ambassador last month.

For more information on the White Ribbon campaign, or to make your pledge to end violence against women, visit www.whiteribboncampaign. co.uk

Seeking support

If you’re a victim of violence, abuse or intimidation, or know someone who is, you can contact police and partner agencies at: www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ advice/advice-and-information/ daa/domestic-abuse/supportorganisations/

Ask for ANI

Victims of domestic abuse are able to use a codeword scheme to help them signal for help from the safety of a pharmacy. Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) has been developed by the Home Office to allow domestic abuse sufferers to signal they need emergency help to a chemist.

Participating pharmacies are on an interactive map which can be viewed at: www.thamesvalley. police.uk/police-forces/ thames-valley-police/areas/c/ campaigns/2021/ask-for-ani/

Streetsafe

StreetSafe is a pilot service for anyone to anonymously tell us about public places where you have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, e.g. street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, e.g. being followed or verbally abused.

This can be found at: www. thamesvalley.police.uk/notices/ street-safe/street-safe/