Force shares commitment to tackling male violence against women and girls this White Ribbon Day

The force is empowering communities to stand together against male violence against women and girls in support of White Ribbon Day today (Friday).

White Ribbon Day is the international day for the elimination of violence against women, and the start of 16 days of action to raise awareness of gender-based violence.

During this period, Bedfordshire Police is working closely with other organisations across the county to raise awareness of key topics such as male violence against women and girls, (MVAWG), domestic abuse, stalking and harassment and more. 

By sharing survivor stories and highlighting important roles within the force, the aim is to encourage others to speak out and stand up for those in need.

Police officers will also be joining other members of the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership for Too Many Names events across the county today, where people will be encouraged to remember women who have died over the past year at the hands of male violence.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dee Perkins, the force’s lead for MVAWG, said: “Sadly, sexual, coercive and domestic abuse offences disproportionately affect women and girls, and because of that we are working to create a safer environment for women and girls across Bedfordshire.

“The White Ribbon campaign is an opportunity for everyone to take a stand against male violence and abuse against women.

“As a force we will be raising awareness of these topics and educating people on the support available, but change will only be made when everyone unites and stands together.

“We are asking all businesses to stand with us, take a pledge to have a zero tolerance approach to inappropriate sexual behaviour within the workplace and become ambassadors of our own internal misconduct campaign - Blue Bell.

“As a society we need to challenge harmful behaviour and encourage more people to be an upstander in our efforts to make keep women and girls safe across the county.”

Find out more about the work Bedfordshire Police is doing for 16 Days of Action.

Although this campaign has a significant focus on MVAWG, Bedfordshire Police remain committed to tackling all forms of abuse, supporting victims of any gender, and tackling both male and female offenders.

Reports can be made to police on 101, or via our online reporting tool.

Always call 999 in an emergency.