Sandwell safety chiefs are marking White Ribbon Day with a renewed pledge to tackle domestic violence and support victims. White Ribbon Day – also International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – starts 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The White Ribbon Campaign particularly seeks the support of men and boys to take a stand against violence against women and girls in their workplaces, schools, communities and families.

The Safer Sandwell Partnership Local Police and Crime Board is tackling domestic violence and abuse in a number of ways.

Last year alone, the Partnership supported more than 5,000 women, men and children affected by domestic violence and abuse, including more than 460 high-risk adult victims and 613 children.

Work includes:

  • Providing emergency accommodation to women fleeing abuse;
  • Having domestic abuse workers for each of Sandwell's six towns;
  • Screening cases involving children and offering help to them and their families;
  • Running a dedicated programme with perpetrators to change their behaviour;
  • Meeting together to look at high-risk cases and put in place safety plans for victims and their children;
  • Educating young people in schools on healthy relationships;
  • Training staff at GP practices on how to spot and respond to domestic abuse, leading to many more cases being referred to domestic abuse advocates; and
  • Improving the way A&E teams at hospitals help victims get support.

Sandwell has stepped up training about female genital mutilation (FGM), to help frontline staff identify and report this 'hidden crime'.

And Sandwell has also signed up to the West Midlands domestic violence and abuse standards, aimed at improving services.

The police and council's domestic abuse teams recently received praise for working more closely together, and with partner organisations such as Black Country Women's Aid (formerly Sandwell Women's Aid) and the council’s children's services. They were awarded West Midlands Police's Public Protection Unit Working in Partnership Award and praised by national charity SafeLives.

Chief Superintendent Matt Ward, chair of the Partnership Board and Sandwell Police commander, said: "As we mark White Ribbon Day, we renew our commitment to tackling domestic violence and abuse in Sandwell. We need everyone – men, women, boys and girls – to take a stand against violence.

“There’s lots of high-quality support available here in Sandwell – please don't suffer in silence.”

Councillor Preet Gill, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “If you are affected by domestic violence or abuse, or know someone who is, please get in touch. We want to help victims and their children at the earliest opportunity to stop things getting worse. And we urge perpetrators to come forward to take part in our dedicated programme, to help change their behaviour."

Sara Ward, chief executive of Black Country Women’s Aid, added: "It's vital that we all stand together to tackle domestic abuse. We're really pleased that victims of violence are more confident to report and seek help, but we still need to reach out to those who are suffering in silence.

"Our aim is to ensure that anyone living with domestic abuse gets the help they need. For 30 years, Black Country Women's Aid (formerly Sandwell Women's Aid) has been leading the way in supporting survivors. We welcome the White Ribbon Day's campaign call for everyone, especially men and boys, to stand up and speak out about domestic violence and abuse."

For help and support, call Black Country Women’s Aid on 0121 552 6448. Or call the free 24-hour national domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.

Always call 999 in an emergency.