Council and partners come together to mark White Ribbon Day

More than 4,500 domestic abuse incidents in Swindon were reported to the police in 2018/19.

Swindon’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Garry Perkins, was joined by Superintendent Adrian Burt, of Wiltshire Police’s Swindon Operations, to tie a symbolic white ribbon to a tree outside the Council’s Civic Offices in Euclid Street.

White Ribbon Day is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The day marks the start of 16 Days of Action, which conclude on 10 December on Human Rights Day.

Colleagues from Council departments in Housing, Children’s Services and Community Safety joined officers from Wiltshire Police and Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Partners from Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS), Sexual Assault Referral Centre, NSPCC, Turning Point and Stone Water Housing also showed their support on the day.

The event concluded with a market place of stalls in the Civic Offices which showcased the various charities and support services available to victims of domestic abuse.

Domestic violence and abuse is a crime that leaves victims trapped in a cycle of fear and loneliness, too scared to tell anyone what is happening for fear of repercussions from their abuser.

The abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological or financial. It can also include coercive behaviour - an act or pattern of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim.

Lin Williams, Domestic Abuse & Violence against Women & Girls Manager, said: “Domestic abuse doesn’t have to be physical violence it can be coercive control, financial abuse, sexual assault and stalking.

“Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. It does not discriminate against gender, age or sexual orientation.

“We have support services available for victims in Swindon, if you need help you can call SDASS on 01793 610610. The helpline is available 24 hours.”

Detective Inspector Simon Childe, Force Lead for Domestic Abuse at Wiltshire Police, said: “Domestic abuse is everyone’s business and we want to spread the message that there is no excuse for abuse.

“If it’s happening to you, or you are concerned that someone you know is being subjected to abuse, please don’t suffer in silence. Tell us by calling 101 or, if you or the person you are worried about is in immediate danger, please dial 999.

“We understand that you might find it difficult to report your concerns to the police. However, there are support services that can also help, or you can always speak to your GP, health visitor or a teacher.”