[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Anti-violence campaigner Joyce Watson AM has given an early Christmas boost to Rainbow Bridge at Victim Support – a donation of over £200.
Joyce Watson AM donated £227.50 to the victim support service, which supports LGBT people who have fled from domestic violence.
Jessica Rees, LGBT domestic abuse coordinator at Rainbow Bridge, visited the Senedd to collect the donation.
The money was raised by sale of white ribbons at recent events which Mrs Watson organised and supported to tackle domestic violence.
These included an event at the National Assembly for Wales where Stonewall Cymru’s Director Andrew White talked about the impact of domestic violence in same sex relationships.
Mrs Watson said:
“Many thanks to all those who contributed so generously to the White Ribbon cause this year.
“Together you raised £227.50 for Rainbow Bridge, which will make a big difference to a small charity doing largely unreported work.
“Domestic violence impacts on all of our communities and society, and this year we are supporting Rainbow Bridge, which supports LGBT victims and witnesses throughout Wales.”
Previous collections have gone to a range of victim support groups around Wales.
The Labour AM added: “The figures are stark. Between January and October 2016 102 women were killed by men across the UK – that’s one woman every three days.
“I urge everyone to make the simple White Ribbon pledge: to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and children.
“I look forward to the day when we don’t have to campaign, but while we see figures like these we must carry on – it’s important the message gets out far and wide.”
The Mid and West Wales AM began White Ribbon activity in Wales 11 years ago with the first White Ribbon service at Llandaff Cathedral.
Mrs Watson organised the fifth Assembly Day of Action with the Women’s Institute to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November.
Each year they work with male ambassadors from across Welsh life to join together to ask men to sign the White Ribbon pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and children.
Jessica Rees at Rainbow Bridge, said:
“Thank you very much for your generous donation, which will be invaluable to our work. Without your support we would not be able to continue to support victims and witnesses throughout Wales.
“Rainbow Bridge is a Victim Support run service that gives free and confidential help to anyone affected by domestic abuse within the LGBT+ community.
“Sometimes a phone call and an expression of support is enough, while for others we can arrange a home visit, or a meeting at another venue with a more intense longer term programme of help, assistance and safety planning.
“When necessary Rainbow Bridge can arrange enhanced services for those requiring a little extra help and this can range from burglar alarms to external counselling sessions.”
For further details of Joyce Watson’s work, go to https://www.joycewatson.org.uk/.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
