NOVEMBER 25 was White Ribbon Day, also known as the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

By wearing a white ribbon we are pledging never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

Violence against women affects women of all ages, from all social classes and all races. Shockingly, more than two women a week are killed by a current or former partner.

The Welsh Government is determined to tackle domestic violence, passing landmark legislation (The Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015) and supporting the all Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence help line.

Last week, I spoke at the Light a Candle multi-faith event at Llandaff Cathedral to mark White Ribbon Day and asked everyone to commit themselves to be part of the solution to end violence against women.

Also last week, I paid thanks to Kay Quinn who has led the pioneering organisation Atal Y Fro here in the Vale-tackling domestic abuse and violence against women for over a decade.

As I was the first Co-ordinator of Welsh Women’s Aid, I was very pleased to pay my own personal tribute to Kay for her visionary leadership – driving forward the prevention agenda to tackle the causes of violence – engaging men as part of the team and forging partnerships across the region, Wales and the UK.

In the debating chamber in the Assembly, I paid tribute to BAWSO – the all -Wales organisation delivering specialist services to people from Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) backgrounds who are affected by abuse, in my first question to the First Minister about tackling violence against women and girls.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence, have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, or are worried about a friend or relative who is experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence – then call the All Wales Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Helpline for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. UK Freephone : 0808 80 10 800.