Campaign Combatting Domestic Abuse Launched by Wrexham Students

An innovative campaign aimed at tackling all forms of domestic abuse has been developed by students in Wrexham.

Each year students studying Coleg Cambria’s ‘Public Service’ course work with partners to develop awareness raising campaigns as part of their Welsh Baccalaureate qualification

This year the campaign has been undertaken in partnership with Coleg Cambria, Welsh Women’s Aid Wrexham, Stepping Stones and Safe Wrexham, with the students developing coffee cup sleeves.

The branded sleeves provide concise information about combatting domestic abuse, providing details of organisations which support victims as well as the Live Fear Free helpline.

A critical part of the partnership’s work is to increase public confidence in reporting incidents of domestic abuse and sexual violence, and to also improve support for victims of abuse. A number of campaigns take place throughout the year aiming to raise awareness of the key issues, the most significant example being the White Ribbon campaign.

Every November, this global initiative encourages both men and women to wear a white ribbon as a personal pledge never to commit, condone nor remain silent about violence against women.

Reducing incidence of domestic abuse is a key priority for the Welsh Government, demonstrated by the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Act. The landmark legislation, which came into force in April last year, was the first in the UK specifically aimed at combating violence against women and aims to improve the public sector response in Wales.

The student’s campaign was formally launched by Wrexham’s Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths at an event held at Coleg Cambria’s Learning Centre.

Lesley Griffiths AM said: “Statistics reveal one in four women and one in six men experience some form of domestic abuse. These figures are staggering, particularly when you realise a significant proportion of incidents are not reported to the authorities.”

“Although there is still more to be done, in recent years a lot of good work has taken place both locally and nationally, helping raise awareness and encouraging victims of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence.”

Ms Griffiths continued onto praise the student’s campaign, adding: “This local campaign is a great example of various organisations working together to help combat violence against women. It was great to witness the enthusiasm of everyone involved at the launch and I congratulate the Coleg Cambria students for their wonderful initiative.”