Carmarthenshire County Council is once again showing its support for the White Ribbon campaign, which takes place on Saturday, November 25 and is followed by 16 Days of Action.

White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.

While domestic abuse affects both sexes, the largest number of violent incidents involve men against women. But ultimately male violence against women is everyone’s issue, not just women’s.

The council was awarded White Ribbon UK accredited status for the first time in 2018 and continues to work to tackle such violence.

White Ribbon flags will be flying at County Hall in Carmarthen and town halls in Llanelli and Ammanford on White Ribbon Day. County Hall will also be lit up purple on the evening of November 25 to show support.

The council is working alongside partners to raise awareness of the campaign across the county - from sports clubs, joint visits with the Police to licensed premises, in our leisure centres, theatre and libraries.

A White Ribbon March, organised by Joyce Watson MS also took place on Thursday, starting at Ammanford Park.

Cabinet Member responsible for Community Cohesion, Cllr Ann Davies, said: “Carmarthenshire County Council is fully supportive of the White Ribbon Campaign to end violence against women by men.

“A range of Council services have been working in partnership with various agencies over the years to raise awareness about this issue, with the aim of preventing such violence and signposting victims of domestic abuse to get the help and support they need.

“Every person within our society has a role to play on the issue of violence towards women by men – we must not and cannot tolerate it.”

Support locally can be found at: Threshold (Llanelli) on 01554 752 422 or www.threshold-das.org.uk; Calan DVS (Ammanford) on 01269 597 474 or www.calandvs.org.uk; Carmarthen Domestic Abuse Service on 01267 238 410 or www.carmdas.org and Goleudy on 0300 123 2996 or www.goleudyvictimandwitnessservice.org.uk or call the Live Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800 or visit https://gov.wales/live-fear-free for free advice and support 24/7.

For more information on the White Ribbon campaign visit www.whiteribbon.org.uk