Jack Sargeant MS — White Ribbon Day 2022

I am a proud ambassador for the White Ribbon Campaign. The campaign has at its heart one key principle; it is men who have got to change in order to end violence against women and girls.

I know some will find that simple statement difficult to read and react by saying ‘not me’. This response is wrong. Instead, must build a culture where men accept and embrace the need for change. You may not be a perpetrator of violence, but what about the behaviour and attitude of those around you? Evidence shows that 1 in 4 women and girls will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime. So, all men need to challenge this behaviour where they see it.

To achieve this, my role as an ambassador is to promote the work of White Ribbon and ask men and boys to make the White Ribbon promise — to never use, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. You can make the promise by visiting the White Ribbon Campaign website here. You can also raise awareness by wearing a white ribbon and telling people why.

The campaign is desperately needed because men are driving an epidemic of violence against women. It is estimated that around 3 million women across the UK experience rape, domestic violence, forced marriage, stalking, sexual exploitation, trafficking and other forms of violence every year. This is the equivalent to the population of Wales.

This year’s White Ribbon Day falls during the World Cup. The White Ribbon campaign are asking all men to join the team to end violence against women and girls — that’s #TheGoal.

It is a tragedy, but domestic abuse is happening all around us. If you have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence and/or violence against women, or are worried about a friend or relative who is experiencing any form of violence or abuse, you can call The Welsh Governments Live Fear Free Helpline — it’s free, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text phone users can contact the via Type Talk on 18001 0808 80 10 800 You can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline by text 24/7 on 07458 143 41.

We all have a role in ending violence against women, but men have to change and that is why I am urging everyone who is reading this article to wear a white Ribbon and make the promise.

Jack Sargeant is the Labour MS for Alyn and Deeside