On White Ribbon Day, and throughout the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, Dorset Police has renewed its commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and reaffirmed that their safety remains a core priority.
Tuesday 25 November 2025 marks the International Day Against Violence Against Women, with 16 days of focused action running until Wednesday 10 December 2025.
Dorset continues to be one of the safest counties in the country, and while the perceived level of crime often exceeds the reality, the force recognises that every incident has a profound impact on victims. Despite its overall safety, violence and harassment continue to disproportionately affect women and girls.
Superintendent Neil Wright, Dorset Police’s operational lead for Violence Against Women and Girls, said:
“Our aim is that all members of our communities feel safe, but if they do become victims of crime, they also have the confidence to report it to us in the knowledge that they will be fully supported and we will take robust action against the perpetrators.
“We are committed to supporting the most vulnerable members of our society and we remain focused on improving investigation standards and the service provided to victims.
“We have very good working relationships with our partners where we share information and intelligence, improve criminal justice outcomes and work together to support victims and to protect all members of our communities – including women and girls – from harm.
“Our local policing teams also play a key role in helping women and girls feel safe when out and about, offering safe spaces and providing a visible presence on our streets.
“By supporting White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Activism, we want to encourage a societal shift that makes gender-based violence and harassment unacceptable.
“Nobody should feel comfortable being a bystander – any such behaviour needs to be called out. We want to show that we are here for the safety of women and girls in Dorset and are striving to create an environment where they are safe and feel safe. We are here for her safety.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, added:
“I wholeheartedly support White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Activism, which shine a vital spotlight on the need to end violence against women and girls. These campaigns remind us that everyone has a role to play in challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours wherever they occur.
“I have always been very clear that it is not incumbent on women and girls to keep themselves safe; it is the responsibility of us all, as a community, to ensure that harmful behaviours are called out, challenged, and never tolerated.
“I remain absolutely committed to building an even safer Dorset where victims feel supported, heard, and able to come forward. By standing together, raising awareness, and promoting positive behaviour, we can help create a county where everyone can live their lives free from fear.”
Throughout the campaign period, Dorset Police will be sharing advice, information, and messages of support on social media.
White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys in the effort to end violence against women and girls. Further details can be found on the charity’s website.
If you have been a victim of violence or harassment, please report it to Dorset Police via the Force website or by calling 101.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 999.
