Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales' MEP Jill Evans is urging men and women in Wales to wear a white ribbon during the week of 25 November in support of the International Day Against Violence Against Women. White Ribbon Day in Europe is organised by a group of men working to end men's violence against women.

Ms Evans says that by wearing a white ribbon, a personal pledge is made to the world not to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women:

"Amongst the many people I have written to are all the male National Assembly members, and the Welsh party leaders in the Westminster Parliament, to ask for their support for this campaign, which is financed by the European Union Daphne Programme.

"Domestic violence is an issue that affects millions of women and children all over the world. Although not often publicised, the facts from Welsh Women's Aid speak for themselves."

In Wales, 90% of children in domestic violence situations are in the same or the next room when the attacks on their mother take place. 33% of children intervene to try and protect their mother. Calls for help or information per year 15,500 per day and rising. In 1998/99 15,589 calls and / or visits were made to local groups by women requiring info and support. Again in 1998/99, 3350 women were supported through outreach and floating support work.

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