Dorset Police news site

Dorset Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner are supporting White Ribbon Day on 25 November which marks the International Day Against Violence Against Women, and also 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence which starts on the same day and runs until 10 December.

Violence and harassment disproportionally effects women and girls, there is help from police and partner agencies for everyone in our communities. Nobody should live in fear. If you have been a victim of violence or harassment please report it to Dorset Police via the Force website www.dorset.police.uk or call 101. If anyone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Please follow our social media channels where you will see information from the Home Office “Enough” campaign which amongst other things provides a guide on how to call out or report unacceptable behaviour that can prevent women and girls being abused or harmed. There will be information on other public safety topics as well.

Assistant Chief Constable Neil Corrigan said: “Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for Dorset Police.

“We are committed to a range of initiatives taking place across Dorset to tackle violence against women and girls and have extremely good relationships with our partners with whom we work together to improve criminal justice outcomes and help protect women and girls from harm.”

Superintendent Emma Sweetzer, Force Operational Lead for Violence Against Women and Girls, said: “Dorset Police’s approach recognises the many forms of violence against women and girls including a focus on areas of greatest risk to them, such as domestic abuse, stalking, harassment, rape and sexual offending. We are shaping and improving our services to put victims first, keeping them safe and giving them trust and confidence to report crimes to us.

“Where a report of a crime is made, we will actively pursue the perpetrators.  We are working with a wide range of partners to prevent these crimes and incidents happening in the first place including being highly visible in our busy towns during the evenings, creating safe spaces for everyone. We are committed to making Dorset a safe county for everyone: it is imperative that all women and girls are not only safe, but feel safe too.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “I fully support White Ribbon Day which marks the International Day Against Violence Against Women, and 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.

“I remain absolutely committed to creating an environment in Dorset where women and girls are protected against violence and harm and are free from the fear of abuse. Indeed, I want everyone, no matter their gender to feel safe and be able to live their lives freely and without fear.

“Through support for the force in their determined efforts to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) offences, as well as continuing our vital work with victim services and other partners, I hope we can raise awareness of the help available for women and girls, while also educating the public on how each and every one of us can play a part in ensuring the safety of Dorset’s residents.”

White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls. Everyone, especially men and boys, is encouraged to make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women. This year the charity’s theme is #ChangeTheStory, and you can find out more about White Ribbon UK at the website www.whiteribbon.org.uk

Pictured are Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick, Chief Constable Amanda Pearson, Assistant Chief Officer Jo Mosely, Chief Finance Officer Neil Butterworth, Assistant Chief Constable Neil Corrigan and Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne, , along with Chief Superintendent Richard Bell and Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan.