White Ribbon and 16 Days - Devon & Cornwall Police supports global campaigns against violence against women and girls
Devon & Cornwall Police is supporting White Ribbon Day on 25 November (International Day Against Violence Against Women) and 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence which starts on the same day and runs until 10 December (Human Rights Day, observed across the world).
In the coming days and weeks, you will see information both online and on posters, leaflets and even beermats about how you can find support if you are a victim of rape or serious sexual assault or of domestic abuse in any of its forms, and about the meaning of consent and the myths surrounding rape and domestic abuse that may prevent people from reporting it.
Bear in mind that although the theme of 16 Days is very much about violence against women and girls, there is help from the police and partner agencies for everyone.
Deputy Chief Constable Julie Fielding said: “Over the past 12 months, Devon & Cornwall Police has made significant investment into our specialist Domestic Abuse investigation teams with an extra 52 staff and officers. These dedicated teams are essential to be able to provide the best possible service to victims across Devon and Cornwall, and to bring perpetrators of domestic abuse to justice. If you are being subjected to domestic abuse, or know someone who is, please contact us to report it.”
White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls. Everyone, especially men and boys, is encouraged to make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women. Find out more about White Ribbon UK at the website www.whiteribbon.org.uk
You will also see information from the Home Office “Enough” campaign which amongst other things provides a guide on how, if it is safe to do so, simple acts of intervention by bystanders such as calling out or reporting unacceptable behaviour can prevent women and girls being abused or harmed. You may already have seen the TV commercial or Instagram posts from the Home Office. Find out more at the campaign website https://enough.campaign.gov.uk/
The global 16 Days campaign, supported by the United Nations and Center for Women’s Global Leadership, has been used worldwide to call for the elimination of gender-based violence. You can find out more about the global 16 Days campaign here In focus: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence | UN Women – Headquarters
Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly said: “We know that violence against women and girls remains at an unacceptably high level and in Devon and Cornwall we have seen an increase in the reporting of rape.
“This year my office commissioned a public survey to ask what sexual violence or abuse services are known and for those that have used them, the experience they received – it’s these resources we must get right.
“My office also launched Altered not Defined, a website to support public sector professionals to create and deliver communications campaigns that make a genuine and positive difference to the lives of individuals who have experienced sexual offences, and to support journalists in reporting these issues. (More here: Welcome to https://alterednotdefined.org.uk/ ).
“As the public’s voice for the commissioning of victim services I want to encourage anyone to come forward by either reporting it to the police, victim support or if you wish to remain 100 per cent anonymous then to Crimestoppers 0800 111 555.
“There is much more to be done to focus on the perpetrators, but by continually speaking out we are changing the future pathway for young women and girls.”
This year Devon & Cornwall Police has joined Operation Soteria Bluestone, a national programme led by the Home Office and Mayor’s Office for Police and Crime (MOPAC) to improve outcomes in rape and serious sexual offence cases, such as better support for victims throughout the criminal justice process and seeing more cases go to court. It focuses on a suspect oriented approach along with working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and other partner organisations. Prior to officially joining the initiative as one of fourteen forces, Devon & Cornwall Police has been following the Soteria Bluestone principles of specialist skills for all, not just specialist teams, and upskilling all investigators and responders, adopted from the experiences of five initial pathfinder forces.
