It was White Ribbon Day yesterday, also known as International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women and saw the start of the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board’s (SETDAB) 16 days of action campaign. This year, the partners are asking male role models to take the White Ribbon promise and share their images across social media to show how Essex is United against sexual violence and domestic abuse using the hashtags #EssexUnites #AllMenCan #MakeThePromise.

The promise, which is available on the White Ribbon website Promise — White Ribbon UK, reads:

 “I promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.”

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex was one of the first people to take the pledge.

Reducing violence against women and girls and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse

Reducing violence against women and girls and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse are two of the priorities in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan which was approved last month.

He said: “Our objective is to support a cultural change within society and provide strong, consistent, and vocal support for the safety of women and girls whether they report crimes against them or not, so that no woman or girl feels unsafe in her community or in public. We will also give a voice to those who need protection, support the vulnerable and reduce the number of people who become a victim of crime in their communities or their homes.”

You can read more about these priorities and how they will be actioned here.

The PFCC’s office also commissions a range of services and support across Essex to help survivors as well as funding programmes for perpetrators to help them change their behaviour.

The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB) brings partners and agencies across Greater Essex together to form a joint response to breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner, chairs the board.

“Campaigns like White Ribbon Day and the 16 days of action really help us to focus our efforts and highlight all of the support and help there is available to people.”

Help is available for anybody suffering abuse.

For more information please visit www.setdab.org

Restorative Justice Week

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “This week we’ve been highlighting the restorative justice services available to Essex residents.

“Restorative Justice can be effective in showing the responsible person the real impact of their actions by putting a face to their crime. It also gives the victim and their families the chance to tell the offender how they feel about what has happened, ask for an apology and get answers to their questions.

“It can be used alongside the criminal justice system and can be really powerful for both victims and perpetrators. I’m proud of the team and the volunteers and the difference they make to people’s lives.”

If you are interested in volunteering or finding out more head to the website.

Have your say! Take part in the Precept Survey

What are your thoughts on paying for policing and fire rescue services in Essex? Do you want more investment in the services and what are your priorities? These are the questions being asked by Roger Hirst, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex.

He is asking for your opinion before he sets out plans for the 2022/2023 policing and fire and rescue services budget for the county. You can fill in our survey to give your views.

Take Survey

Call for volunteers to join our Independent Custody Visitors scheme

Are you interested in the criminal justice process and want to make a real difference in your community?

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex is looking for more volunteers to join his Independent Custody Visiting Scheme across Essex.

Full training is given, volunteers are supported but must be able to commit to making a minimum of three visits per month. 

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Volunteering as an Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) in Essex means you can really make a difference to the criminal justice process.

“Our team of ICVs have helped to change legislation in respect of the rights and entitlements of detainees, as well as their welfare and dignity. They monitor the standards of custody suites and safeguard the welfare of people detained within them.”

Find out more here.