Police in Hertfordshire support White Ribbon Day

Police in Hertfordshire showed their support for White Ribbon Day yesterday (Thursday) – the campaign to end male violence against women.

The campaign calls on people to promise never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

The Chief Constable Charlie Hall gathered with officers working to protect women and girls from abuse, including from the Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit, to show support for the campaign.

Chief Constable Hall made the commitment online and wore a white ribbon to mark the day.

White Ribbon Day marks the start of 16 days of action against domestic abuse.

Throughout this period the force and partners in Hertfordshire will be posting on social media in support of the campaign, to raise awareness and support events being run around the county.

This year hashtags #WhiteRibbon #AllMenCan and #MakeThePromise are being promoted, encouraging others to make the commitment too.

Chief Constable Hall said: “There is no doubt that public confidence in policing has been shaken following the murder of Sarah Everard earlier this year.

"While the actions of the former police officer who committed that crime are not in any way representative of policing in the UK generally, we recognise that work needs to be done to understand and respond to concerns so that all our communities have trust and confidence in the policing service, not least women and girls.

“We are determined to make sure everyone feels safe in our streets and public places.

"We also recognise that much of the abuse and violence that women and girls in Hertfordshire suffer occurs within the home.

"That is why it is important to support 16 days of action against domestic abuse too.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire David Lloyd added: “Victims are always at the centre of everything I strive to do.

"There are concerns out there for the safety of women and girls not just for their own wellbeing, but also from partners and fathers.

"My office has commissioned several projects recently to understand where the risks are and how they can be addressed.”

A multi-agency strategy for Hertfordshire on violence against women and girls will be launched in the coming months, as well as a force strategy on the subject.

These are informed by a personal safety survey conducted in Hertfordshire following the death of Sarah Everard. This was run by the joint County Community Safety Unit, and attracted 13,000 responses.

In recent weeks the force launched its sexual assault prevention campaign, Operation Advisory, raising awareness of issues such as consent, spiking and online dating, during the festive party season.

Hertfordshire Police has specialist units dedicated to investigating domestic abuse and sexual assaults and providing support to victims.

Anyone affected by issues such as sexual violence or domestic abuse can access help and support through a number of support services in Hertfordshire.

The support given is free and can be accessed independently of reporting to police.

Any victim of crime can access support services through Hertfordshire’s victim care centre, Beacon. Call 03000 11 55 55 or visit hertfordshirebeacon.org for more information.

The Herts SARC offers free support and practical help to anyone in Hertfordshire who has ​experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse.

​If you would like to speak to someone, please call ​0808 178 4448 or email [email protected].