Bangor vigil held for ‘White Ribbon Day’ to end violence against women

A ‘Light Up’ vigil was held outside Pontio in Bangor on Thursday night to mark White Ribbon Day.

White Ribbon UK is the leading charity that aims to end male violence against women by engaging with men and boys to make a stand against violence.

Their mission is for all men to fulfil the White Ribbon promise to never commit, excuse or remain silence about male violence against women.

Every year nearly two million people in the UK suffer from some form of domestic abuse. 1.3 million female victims (8.2 per cent of the population) and 600,000 male victims (4 per cent of the population).

Throughout the UK, 130,000 children live in homes with high-risk domestic abuse.

In support of this, North Wales Police held “light up” vigils in Bangor, Rhyl and Wrexham to show their support to end domestic violence for good.

Superintendent Neil Thomas, Western Commander said: “Domestic abuse can often be a hidden problem – a crime that takes place behind closed doors – which is why it is vital that we raise public awareness.

“Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on the victims who suffer its many forms. White Ribbon Day helps to raise awareness of domestic abuse and gives victims confidence to come forward and report it. By continuing to work in conjunction with our partners in both statutory and voluntary agencies, we take all steps that we can to protect the victim, children and witnesses from further harm and to try to prevent any recurrence.

“When domestic abuse is reported we make every effort to secure all available evidence and to work with the Crown Prosecution Service in holding offenders to account through the criminal justice system.”