SWFRS remains committed to White Ribbon in 2023 - South Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Following media reports last December, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s White Ribbon accreditation was paused, but the Service remains committed to its aims of ending violence against women and girls, with an action plan to seek re-accreditation. From White Ribbon Day on 25 November 2023, the Service will be taking part in 16 days of global action, which you can follow online via social media and its website.

This year’s White Ribbon theme is ‘Ending violence against women and girls’ and starts when we #ChangeTheStory for women and girls, through taking action and with challenging the seemingly ‘harmless’ attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence for women and girls.”

SWFRS operates Safe Havens from all 47 of its Stations – relaunching the initiative this week, with 999 buttons installed on the outside of ALL South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Stations. This initiative was designed for anyone in immediate danger, including women and girls being abused or threatened. Whilst Safe Havens operate independently of the White Ribbon accreditation, the Service is committed to being a lifeline to support victims across South Wales.

In October this year, the Service’s Fire Crime Unit was renamed as the Arson Reduction Team, to support victims of arson and other fire crimes in their homes and reduce the stigma for victims of domestic abuse.

There is a National Training Framework for Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV). In 2022-2023 96% of the SWFRS workforce completed the Group 1 training.

Members of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended a White Ribbon event at the Senedd on 20th November

Evening vigil outside the Senedd, Cardiff Bay for White Ribbon Day/IDEVAW, organised by the Women’s Institute Wales and sponsored by Joyce Watson MS. Natasha Hirst Photography

Area Manager, Chris Hadfield, said “I am really proud of our involvement with the White Ribbon ‘Change the Story’ campaign, which demonstrates our commitment and the important part we play as a Fire and Rescue Service in ending violence and abuse against women and girls.

“I aspire to be a male role model of the Fire and Rescue Service, and proudly wear my White Ribbon as a reminder that violence against women in any form is something no one should remain silent on.

“White Ribbon Day has become an important date in our calendar. It’s an opportunity for the Fire Service, along with the wider community, to address the challenges and dangers facing women and girls in today’s ever-changing society.

“We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and equality amongst our staff and communities, and by raising awareness, people can learn how to become allies and call out violent and abusive behavior when they see it”.

A lunch and learn event is being organised for staff of the Service on the 6 December, with guests Lydia Stirling of Welsh Rugby Union; Ruth Dodsworth: ITV broadcaster, who visited the Service for White Ribbon in 2022; and Johanna Robinson, the Independent National Advisor at Welsh Government.

The Independent Culture Review, led by Fenella Morris KC, is due for publication before the end of 2023. The Review will define the Service’s past, and how it is responded to will shape the future of the Service, so that we can do our bit to #ChangeTheStory for women and girls across the Service, and the South Wales region as a whole.

SWFRS colleagues have been encouraged to sign up to become White Ribbon Ambassadors or Champions, via their website: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/ambassadors-champions