#TheGoal Join the team ending violence against women and girls

Grŵp Cynefin’s support unit Gorwel, is calling on communities in north Wales to support this year’s White Ribbon Day campaign – #TheGoal – to end violence against women and girls As part of the campaign,  Gorwel held an event at Caernarfon FC to raise awareness of the impact of domestic abuse.

This year White Ribbon Day falls on the same day as the Wales V Iran match at the World Cup the 2022 and so it’s apt that the theme this year is #TheGoal – a campaign calling on all men to join the team to end violence against women and girls.

As part of their contribution to supporting the campaign, Gorwel held an event with Caernarfon Town FC, sharing information about the roots and impact of domestic abuse, how to spot the signs and behaviours and what to do to respond.

Kelly Matulla from Gorwel told us: “We had a really positive day with Huw and the team at Caernarfon FC. It was great to talk to people about coercive control and domestic abuse, it’s impact on families and share information about our work. We’re looking forward to doing more together in the future.”

Huw Griffiths, manager of the First team said:  “It was great to have Kelly and Sioned with us – we learnt a lot and would feel more confident now to raise concerns and help people access the services they need. We’re looking forward to supporting the campaign and wearing our white ribbons with pride.”

Shan Lloyd Williams, Chief Executive of Grŵp Cynefin said:  “I’m  pleased that Gorwel is working alongside other organisations in the area to raise awareness of the signs and impact of domestic abuse. We all have a role to play in tackling this issue in our community and I’m proud of our team who make such a difference for the women, men and children who are affected.”

Tess* who has been supported by Gorwel told us about her experiences of coercive control and domestic violence, “At first I couldn’t see it then one day I was talking to my boss and she said to me, that’s abuse.”

Tess encourages anyone who thinks they might be in a similar situation to get in touch with Gorwel, “from my experience, at first you fight back but after a while you just want peace. You don’t bother arguing back. But I would say don’t stay silent – go out there and get help. I can’t thank my support worker enough. My ex controlled everything – my money, my time, whether I wore make-up. My support worker helped me sort my finances and re-build my confidence. Without Gorwel, I don’t think I’d be here now.”

*Name changed to protect anonymity.

Notes: Gorwel is the part of Grŵp Cynefin that provides bilingual support services for people facing difficult situations with a particular focus on tackling domestic abuse and preventing homelessness. It is embedded in North Wales communities and currently works across Gwynedd, Anglesey and Denbighshire.

The White Ribbon campaign is an annual event that marks the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This year’s campaign – #TheGoal – brings men and boys together to think about how they can make a positive difference to achieve equality and safety for women and girls.

For further information on this or any other element of our work, or to arrange an interview, contact Mari Williams, Communications and Marketing Manager, Grŵp Cynefin Mari.Williams@grwpcynefin.org / cyfathrebu@grwpcynefin.org 07970 142 305