Herts Police Support White Ribbon Day

25 November 2014, 15:33 | Updated: 25 November 2014, 15:38

Police officers and staff across Hertfordshire are wearing white ribbons today (Tuesday, November 25) to show their support against Domestic Abuse and violence.

International White Ribbon Day, is part of a national and global movement campaigning for an end to violence against women across the world.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is supporting the day to highlight the work the force does to protect all victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse.

Detective Chief Inspector Clare Smith, from the Harm Reduction Unit which deals with cases of Domestic Abuse, said:

“We continue to carry out a substantial amount of work to tackle and combat all forms of Domestic Abuse – which can take many forms. It can include emotional, financial and coercive and controlling behaviour as well as violence and physical or, and sexual abuse.

“We fully support International White Ribbon Day and I would encourage all officers and staff to show their support to this campaign by wearing a white ribbon.”

Sarah Taylor, Domestic Abuse manager for Hertfordshire, said: “Any awareness which raises the plight of domestic abuse and encourages people to speak out against it gets our full support. We are also using this day to raise further awareness of our helpline number in Hertfordshire – 08 088 088 088 – it is free to call and is open from 10 am – 10 pm Monday – Friday – our message is clear, there is help out there.”

 “We work hard with police and our partners to identify people vulnerable to domestic abuse and violence and ensure they get the support that’s right for them.

“We are also looking at ways we can find long term solutions to preventing domestic abuse, for example through a pilot scheme in Stevenage that works with first-time offenders to address the complex issues that lead them to harm a loved one, and reduce the chances of them re-offending”.

David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, said: “Dealing with Domestic Abuse remains a main priority for me as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire. I fully support International White Ribbon Day and any campaign which helps to raise awareness and Domestic Abuse and violence against women.

Domestic Abuse happens in all walks of life and can have a significant and long-lasting impact on whole families and the wider community, as well as victims themselves. We all have a duty to speak out against domestic abuse and raise concerns about this abhorrent crime.”

More information on Domestic Abuse, including survivors’ accounts and where you can get help is available by visiting: www.herts.police.uk/domesticabuse