A SPECIAL awareness raising event was held at Gwent Police Headquarters in Cwmbran Wednesday (25th November) to mark the international day for the elimination of violence against women and girls. ?Gwent Police’s UNISON branch organised the event to mark International White Ribbon Day (Wednesday November 25th), a worldwide movement which is run by men and seeks to end violence against women and girls.?Linda Sweet, Gwent Police’s UNISON Branch Secretary was joined at the event by Gwent Police Chief Constable, Jeff Farrar, and Siân Curley, the Head of Corporate Governance for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Gwent.?Linda Sweet, Gwent Police’s UNISON Branch Secretary, said: “One in three women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence and we wanted to organise this event to raise awareness that violence against women is not acceptable and won’t be tolerated. It can be prevented and raising awareness of the issue is an important step in that process.” ?Chief Constable Jeff Farrar said: "As we know domestic abuse is still largely a hidden crime. Days like International White Ribbon day are very important as they draw attention to this issue and can encourage victims to talk to police or other partner agencies and not suffer in silence.”?Siân Curley, the Head of Corporate Governance for the Gwent OPCC, said: “Whether it’s male or female victims of violence, our office is pleased to support any campaign which can help save the life of a victim or prevent them from serious harm. Protecting victims of crime and improving the way services are delivered to them is at the heart of everything we do in Gwent and we want to ensure a victim-centred focus to the services being delivered by Gwent Police and our other partners.”???