Written question WQ89798

The Welsh Government organises activities each year to promote the White Ribbon Campaign and highlight the Violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence agenda, as part of the 16 days of activism.

The White Ribbon Campaign is widely promoted through our social media networks and within the organisation, to raise awareness and show full support for the campaign. This year, the Permanent Secretary hosted an internal event on White Ribbon Day to raise awareness and encourage officials to become WR Ambassadors and Champions. Speakers included the Chief Executive of Bawso, a senior Police officer and the Welsh Government’s Equality Champion.

I have attended a number of White Ribbon Day events, including Bawso’s ‘Light a Candle’ event in Llandaff cathedral and the Candlelit Vigil at the Senedd organised by Joyce Watson MS. We have also used our networks to promote White Ribbon events organised by other organisations across Wales.

The Welsh Government remains the only UK Government administration or Governmental department to have been White Ribbon accredited. I strongly encourage all staff members and MS’s to consider becoming White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions.

We must continue to work together to change attitudes, so that it is understood that, here in Wales, we will not accept any form of violence or abuse.