AM's Give Christmas Gift to CWA
From left: Joyce Watson, Lorraine Barrett, Vaughan Gething & Morgan Fackrell.
Joyce Watson AM raised £110 by selling White Ribbons to AMs and their Welsh Assembly staff for White Ribbon Day, which encourages men to take responsibility for reducing the level of violence against women. Cardiff Women’s Aid Chief Executive, Morgan Fackrell met AMs in the Senedd to thank them for their contribution and support.
JOYCE WATSON AM (Mid and West Wales) said: “I am delighted that other AMs supported this good cause by wearing white ribbons and donating towards these children’s Christmas presents.
“Sadly, Christmas can be a time when domestic abuse is experienced all too often. It accounts for a quarter of recorded crime in England and Wales, and in many instances children are witnesses to this abuse. Where domestic violence is present the risk of child abuse and neglect is 40% higher.
“One in four women suffers from domestic violence and this in turn can lead to other problems, such as alcohol and drug misuse.”
MORGAN FACKRELL said: “This donation will make a big difference to the Christmases of children whose mothers are experiencing abuse. If people would like to give them presents, please would they give unwrapped new presents to Cardiff Women’s Aid, 16 Moira Terrace, Cardiff, CF240EJ.”
Mrs Watson, who is the Chair of the National Assembly Cross Party Group on Human Trafficking, added:
“Even when the physical scars of abuse may fade over time, the emotional scars can last a lifetime. “We all know that domestic violence comes in many forms and not just physical. I recently came across a case where a woman was denied access to her own money by her partner. She was reduced to asking her own children for pocket money so that she was able to buy basic sanitary products. This woman was reduced to the role of a beggar in her own home, whilst her children witnessed the humiliation of one parent at the hands of another.
“It is crucial that men sign up to the campaign to eradicate domestic violence. The White Ribbon Campaign has played an important role in raising awareness amongst men of the prevalence of domestic violence, and this good work must continue.” To raise awareness of this issue Mrs Watson toured Wales, speaking at the White Ribbon Day ‘Light a Candle’ Service at Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff, then visited Ystradgynlais, Brecon, Newtown and Welshpool.
For further details about Joyce Watson or to contact her please click on:
www.joycewatson.co.uk.