Dyfed-Powys Police officers and staff are showing support for the international White Ribbon Day today, Sunday November 25, with the launch 16 days of action in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys.

The White Ribbon campaign is the global initiative to end male violence against women.

The days of action will actively raise awareness of the White Ribbon campaign within the organisation and out in the communities the police force serves.

Activities will include: keeping communities safe by targeting perpetrators of domestic abuse at every opportunity; safeguarding vulnerable victims through support from specially trained officers and disclosures through Clare’s Law to give people the information that could protect them from domestic abuse; protect those affected from serious harm, by seeking prosecutions and work to increase confidence to report in communities and encouraging other men to don a white ribbon and show their support for the campaign to end male violence against women.

Support for White Ribbon Day and the 16 days of action is the force’s first phase of action to raise awareness since receiving the White Ribbon UK accreditation.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable (ACC) Richard Lewis and the police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn are ambassadors for the force – key male figures that have received the White Ribbon training and has made his pledge to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

ACC Lewis said: “Everyone has the right to live free from fear, intimidation and abuse, especially within their own home. I am proud to be a White Ribbon Ambassador for White Ribbon campaign and I am proud to be leading the 16 days of action for the force. The global campaign calls for men to come together and pledge their support to end violence against women. Within Dyfed-Powys Police, we are using the 16 days of action as an opportunity to raise awareness of the support available for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

“I urge anyone concerned that someone may be suffering domestic abuse - whether a family member, friend or neighbour - to report it to police.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn said: “One of the priorities in my ‘Police and Crime Plan’ is Safeguarding the Vulnerable and one of the key ways to make that happen is to protect people from domestic abuse. As the victims’ voice it is key that I am able to provide services that support those individuals who are affected by some of the most heinous and damaging crimes. I’m proud to be a White Ribbon Ambassador, and call on everyone to support this campaign; together, we can feed out this important message, change attitudes and behaviour and make a real difference.”

Signs to look out for:

• One partner seems afraid of the other, or very anxious to please him or her

• One partner often criticises or humiliates the other in front of other people

• You can see physical injuries (bruises, broken bones, sprains, cuts etc) and may have been given unlikely explanation for their injuries

• One partner is reluctant to leave children with the other partner.

For support and advice:

• Call the abuse and violence helpline Live Fear Free helpline on 0808 8010 800

• Download the free Brightsky app – it’s full of information and has a secret setting to help protect your privacy

• Visit dyfed-powys.police.uk/ClaresLaw to learn about a scheme where you can find out if your current or potential partner has a history of abuse or violence.

• Visit ncdv.org.uk for free legal help, quickly

To report domestic abuse call police on 101. If you’re reporting to police as abuse is happening call 999.