Vale Council Walk a Mile in her shoes
Employees from the Vale of Glamorgan Council recently donned women’s shoes for a mile-long walk around Cardiff city centre as part White Ribbon UK campaign.
The campaign, now it its sixth year has grown from 14 men to over 105. The event signifies men working together to put an end to male violence against women, domestic violence and sexual violence.
Members of the public and male employees from organisations such as Atal y Fro, Safer Wales, Cadwyn and Cardiff and Vale University Health board were amongst those walking alongside the Vale council’s Director of Environment and Housing Services, Miles Punter and Operational Manager Engineering, Mike Clogg.
The route begins and ends at Cardiff Castle, hitting many of the capital’s busiest streets along the way. A minute’s silence was held outside the Matalan store on Queen Street to remember two people who lost their lives in 2016 as a result of domestic homicide.
Following the walk, partakers were invited to regroup at the castle to listen to keynote speakers. This year saw two victims of domestic and sexual violence share their experiences with the group, as well as a third speaker who works with perpetrators of domestic violence.
White Ribbon Champion and Vale of Glamorgan councillor for Court ward Cllr Sandra Perkes attended the event. She said: “This year’s Walk a Mile event was a great success once again. The men walking are making an important public statement not to perpetrate, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
“We had a great day for it, and I’d like to thank and congratulate those who were involved.”
Every year in the UK more than one million women suffer domestic abuse and more than 360,000 are sexually assaulted. Although abuse against women is disproportionately higher, the campaign recognises that anyone can be affected by violence and abuse.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse you can seek help and support from the Live Fear Free: