BCBC shows its support for the White Ribbon campaign

The white ribbon is the international symbol for the eradication of violence against women.

The authority has previously supported both the annual White Ribbon Campaign and tackling the issue of domestic abuse generally.

Just this year the council and its trade union partners developed a new domestic abuse protocol and managers’ guidelines setting out a commitment to providing a safe workplace which is responsive to all issues of domestic abuse and violence.

Council employees are able to access management and HR support, information on external and partner organisations which are able to offer advice and access to the council’s own confidential counselling service.

Managers are also being actively encouraged to learn and spot the early signs of domestic abuse amongst team members and are able to offer changes to the workplace to make it a safer place for affected colleagues, including adjusting working patterns and workload and providing appropriate time to seek support or make arrangements on things like alternative childcare or accommodation.

Launching this year’s local White Ribbon campaign run by the Safer Bridgend Partnership, Council Leader Councillor Mel Not said: “Every person has a right to live and work in a safe and supportive place. Bridgend County Borough Council certainly takes this issue very seriously".

“Even though the White Ribbon campaign focuses on violence towards women, we know that domestic abuse affects all kinds of people and can take many forms, including mental as well as physical bullying".

“It is frequently hidden but we want to make this subject much less of a taboo by offering our employees guidance and help and sending a message to the wider community that support is available and they should seek this if they are affected by this awful issue. We would urge these people to take action by contacting either Bridgend Women's Aid or the Welsh Domestic Abuse Helpline."

People suffering domestic abuse can contact the following numbers for advice and support:

· Bridgend Women’s Aid: 01656 766139

· Welsh Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 80 10 800

or Click here for further information