'LIGHT up' vigils will take place across North Wales 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 dent of the population).

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

On November25, three 'light up' vigils will be held in Bangor, Rhyl and Wrexham in honour of White Ribbon Day and in memory of Sarah Everard, who was kidnapped and murdered whilst walking home in South London in March this year.

Members of the public are invited to attend and are asked to wear white ribbons and use the lights on their mobile phones or torches to show their support.

The ceremonies will all take place at 7pm at Pontio in Bangor University, Rhyl Events Arena and Queens Square, Wrexham and are expected to last for 30-60 minutes.

Everyone is welcome.

 

Mike Taggart has been appointed MBE for his services to victims of domestic abuse. Picture: North Wales Police

Mike Taggart has been appointed MBE for his services to victims of domestic abuse. Picture: North Wales Police

PC Mike Taggart, of Rhyl, is a Strategic Domestic Abuse Officer in North Wales Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit. He has supported victims of domestic abuse throughout his career.

Mike was just 15 when his mother Donna Crist was killed by his stepfather in 1997.

He said “Domestic Abuse happens any time of year, but Christmas can bring other factors to the forefront, which can contribute to further perpetration, such as financial stress and alcohol consumption.

"Remember this is not the cause of domestic abuse and being told by a perpetrator, things such as “the alcohol made me do it” is in no way mitigation.

"Abuse of any kind, at any time is not acceptable and is not right. If this is something you’ve experienced or you know someone who has, please make contact with us at North Wales Police, or the Live Fear Free helpline.”

Domestic abuse cases rise significantly over the Christmas holidays and this year, awareness is being raised through the ‘Cheer Not Fear’ campaign, working with Live Fear Free – the All Wales Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline who provide help and advice about domestic abuse and sexual violence.

After the 'light up' vigils, the 16 Days of Activism Against Domestic Abuse will be promoted.

North Wales Police will be using their social media channels and the hashtag #CheerNotFear throughout this time to educate people about different forms of domestic abuse, signs to look out for in both victims and perpetrators, who can help and how to report cases.

Find full details and support at www.northwales.police.uk/news/north-wales/news/news/2021/november/cheernotfear-campaign