The Welsh Rugby Union has proudly supported the work in Wales, led by Welsh Women’s Aid, to end violence against women and champions the White Ribbon campaign which calls for an end to men’s violence against women on this day and every day of the year.
This builds on over a decade of awareness raising, since the Grand Slam winning centre Tom Shanklin fronted a campaign against domestic violence, orchestrated by the four Welsh police forces in 2008.
Welsh rugby clubs, individual players and a variety of match-day Principality Stadium assets – big screen messages, advertising boards and match programmes – have all been used to help share the important messages of the campaign over the years and White Ribbons will once again be visible at the Cardiff ground when Wales face South Africa there on Saturday.
The Wales players have already confirmed that many of their number will once again wear Rainbow Laces for the game as part of a campaign in support of the LGBT community which is permeating throughout Welsh rugby – but both initiatives carry messages of equality, inclusion, acceptance and support which resonate with the values of Welsh rugby and White Ribbons will be given similar prominence as part of the event day experience.
“One of our national game’s core values is respect and Welsh rugby remains committed to ensuring an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment is provided to all at every level of the game,” said a WRU spokesperson.
“Rugby reaches into every home in Wales and we know how our elite players are powerful ambassadors and that profile can and should be used to help improve our communities and promote our values whenever and wherever possible.”
The United Nations General Assembly has designated 25th November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and this move prompted the founding of the White Ribbon campaign. On this day until 10th December is the 16 Days Of Action and during this time men are asked to wear a white ribbon, and pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.
“International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is a key awareness day for Welsh Women’s Aid and we are therefore delighted to be working with the Welsh Rugby Union to highlight and raise awareness of this,” said Media and External Relations Officer Becky James.
“One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, and we are working to try and eliminate this in Wales.
“There can be no excuse for one person to exert power and control over another using any form of psychological, emotional, sexual or physical violence.
“Anyone affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence or any other form of violence against women in Wales can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800 or via its webchat provision for 24-hour, confidential information and support, and help to access local services across the country.”
Join the campaign today, wear a White Ribbon, and find out how you can do more in your community to promote the “16 Days Of Action” https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/what-we-do/.
Support the work of Welsh Women’s Aid to bring an end to violence against women in Wales, just by shopping online, visit http://www.giveasyoulive.com/join/welshwomensaid to donate a percentage of every pound you spend online FOR FREE!
“Of course this issue is present all year round, and we never stop campaigning,” added James.
“But it is important to mark this period with events, presentations and a special effort to speak to family, friends and co-workers about why men must take a stand against violence towards women.
“We are delighted that, once again, Welsh rugby has joined our campaign to help raise its profile and share the important message that ‘Violence against women is everyone’s business’.”
Anyone in Wales who needs help and support for violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence should contact the Live Fear Free helpline: 0808 80 10 800 http://www.welshwomensaid.org.uk/what-we-do/our-services/live-fear-free-helpline/
