The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) will continue its support of the National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) ‘Not in My Name’ Campaign to stamp out violence against women.
Joining a special candlelight vigil in Cardiff on Monday 22 November, which had been arranged by the NFWI- Wales, FUW President said: “It is a sad sign of the times that we are still having candlelight vigils to highlight the extreme situation many find themselves in through domestic violence and abuse. Yet it is important, critical, to not give up in the plight to raise awareness and change attitudes.”
The Union President highlighted that there are many consequences of domestic abuse, including the development of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
“The FUW made a commitment to keep the spotlight on mental health, standing here today, side by side with many like minded individuals and organisations, is part of that ongoing work for the FUW. Domestic abuse affects all of our communities, urban and rural.
“For many people home is no longer a place of safety and Covid-19 restrictions have increased the isolation suffered by many which is often exacerbated in our rural communities. It has also been more difficult for victims of domestic abuse to seek help at a time when incidence of domestic abuse has increased, which is even more acute in some of our isolated rural communities,” he told the delegation outside of the Senedd.
As part of the campaign, the FUW is also working with partner organisations, such as Welsh Women’s Aid and the DPJ Foundation, to provide Domestic Abuse Training to all staff to better understand domestic abuse and how to sign post people to specialist support.
“We believe that we have a duty as an organisation, embedded in our rural communities, to play our part in raising awareness of these issues and supporting people where we can. With this in mind and as part of the campaign, the FUW will be working with partner organisations to provide Domestic Abuse Training to all staff to better understand domestic abuse and how to sign post people to specialist support.
“Myself and the Farmers’ Union of Wales say loud and clear - Violence against women and girls is not acceptable and it has to end. United we stand in making the promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women,” he said.