Ahead of this weeks match away at Bala Town, Neath footballers Kris O'Leary and Lee Trundle took time out to visit Cwrt Sart Comprehensive school to help launch a campaign against domestic abuse on White Ribbon Day.

Neath Port Talbot prepares to take a stand against domestic abuse on White Ribbon Day

Neath Port Talbot is preparing to take a stand against domestic abuse with a series of events to mark this year’s White Ribbon Day.

Cwrt Sart pupils who have been working on modules covering respect and healthy relationships will be forming a human white ribbon and standing alongside campaign supporters from Neath Rugby and Football Teams and the Ospreys Rugby.

Events will also be held in Neath and Port Talbot town centres; at Neath Port Talbot Hospital and at the Health Resource Centre in Aberavon on Friday, 25^th November from 10am.

The events aim to highlight the issue of Domestic Abuse in Neath Port Talbot, demonstrating that it won’t be tolerated in the borough and that public, voluntary and community bodies are working together to raise the profile of the issue, change attitudes and encourage people in abusive relationships to seek help.

The focus on November 25 will be on men standing together to show that they don’t condone or accept domestic violence.

A number of positive Neath Port Talbot male role models will be getting involved to help reinforce this message and show their support for the campaign:

On Friday 2^nd December Neath Rugby will wear their white ribbons and pose for photos prior to the match against Swansea at the Gnoll.

On Sunday December 11^th Neath Football Club will be doing the same prior to their match against Port Talbot.

As well as going along to these events and wearing a white ribbon on November 25, people are being encouraged to pledge their support for the campaign by visiting www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/makepledge

Colleagues from the Local Domestic Abuse Strategy Group including local support providers, Neath Port Talbot Police and health agencies are also undertaking activities to mark the day and all partners are ensuring that both women and men experiencing domestic abuse know where support is available both nationally and within the borough.

Domestic Abuse Coordinator, Julia Lewis said: “During 2010/11 2408 incidents of Domestic Abuse were reported to the police in Neath Port Talbot”

“With everyone working together, we can organise and involve communities in preventative activities and alter the attitudes that lead to violent, abusive and controlling behaviour.”

If you are worried about domestic abuse, the following support is available:

National helpline: 0808 8010800

Police Domestic Abuse Unit: 01792 640248;

In an emergency dial: 999