Bedfordshire Police has renewed its pledge to tackle male violence against women and girls, using White Ribbon Day to send a stark message to perpetrators: change your behaviour now or face the consequences.
White Ribbon Day, held each year on 25 November, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls and launches the global 16 Days of Action campaign.
Running until 10 December, the campaign focuses on challenging perpetrators, preventing abuse and creating safer communities.
During the 16 days, Bedfordshire Police will work with partners to raise awareness of gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, rape, sexual assault, harassment and stalking, issue clear warnings to offenders, and highlight the support available to those affected.
Targeting perpetrators
The force’s Emerald proactive arrest team targets offenders by making arrests, gathering intelligence, running manhunts and securing warrants.
The team also monitors civil orders such as domestic violence protection orders, allowing officers to take a more assertive approach to tracking and disrupting perpetrators.
Last week alone, 12 arrests were made across the county, including six high-risk suspects, bringing the year-to-date total to more than 270 arrests.
Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown, Bedfordshire Police’s lead for tackling male violence against women and girls, said: “Gender-based violence is a choice made by perpetrators.
“It can take many forms, physical, emotional, financial, and coercive control, and its impact is devastating.
“During this campaign, we are urging people to think about their own behaviours and attitudes that contribute to a fear of violence for women, and how to identify harmful behaviour early on before it escalates.
“Violence against women and girls is a crime. If you choose to harm, abuse, or control someone, you will be held accountable. We will find you, stop you, and bring you to justice. There are no excuses, and you will have to face the consequences of your actions.”
Men must challenge attitudes
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Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said: “I’m proud to stand as an ambassador for White Ribbon Day. Men, in particular, have a vital role to play in challenging the attitudes and behaviours that lead to abuse against women and girls.
“We must work together to change mindsets, change behaviours, and enforce the law so that every woman and girl feels safe and protected.
“White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for all of us to recommit to standing up for the rights of women and girls, especially those in Bedfordshire who may feel at risk today and every day.”
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How to get help
Bedfordshire Police is sharing information throughout the 16 Days of Action on how to recognise abuse, report it, and find specialist support.
For more information on the force’s 16 Days of Action activity, including signposting to services, visit the Bedfordshire Police website campaign page.
If you need to report abuse, contact police on 101 or use the online reporting tool at beds.police.uk. In an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, always call 999.
