Gwent Police has launched a new 24-hour support scheme to help victims of domestic abuse.
Specially-trained officers, who will work exclusively with people affected, have been based in the police control room since the weekend.
Gwent has become the first police force in Wales to implement such a strategy to combat domestic abuse.
Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner, Jeff Cuthbert, said: “It’s really important that preventing violence against women gets to the top of the agenda.
“I’m very pleased that Gwent Police, in conjunction with Newport Women’s Aid, have got money from the lottery funding to provide advice and dedicated advisors in the force control room to support officers dealing with domestic abuse and to provide support for those who are suffering.”
Today I joined @GwentVAWDASV @gwentpolice & others for #WhiteRibbonDay to march for an end to violence against women @WhiteRibbon_UK pic.twitter.com/DjeGK8cLVT
— GwentPCC (@GwentPCC) November 25, 2018
The scheme coincides with White Ribbon Day, which was held yesterday (Sunday, November 25) to raise awareness of violence against women.
White Ribbon Day was the start of the ’16 Days of Action,’ which will end on December 10.
The period is part of the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Over the course of the 16 days, more than a thousand volunteers will campaign in opposition to violence against women and work with communities to put on events across the country.
The White Ribbon Pledge to combat violence against women has been signed by Islwyn AM Rhianon Passmore.
Ms Passmore said: “I am joining thousands of others in making a public statement that I oppose violence against women by wearing a white ribbon and pledging never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.”
The campaign is led by White Ribbon UK, who were founded in 2005.
More than two women are killed by a current or former partner each week.