EMERGENCY service workers came together to learn more about how to tackle domestic abuse. 

West Mercia Police, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion brought together officers, staff and charity organisations for an event to mark the White Ribbon Day campaign.

This included two guest speakers that have been personally affected by domestic abuse – Nick Gazzard, whose daughter was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, and Luke Hart, whose mother and sister were murdered by his father, who both bravely shared their stories to highlight the dangers of controlling behaviour and the devastating effects it can have.

The White Ribbon campaign asks people to make the promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

Mr Campion said: “This is a complex issue, which needs a multi-faceted approach. We need to ensure that victims and survivors are put first and that the police have the understanding and resources to address it effectively – gained through events like today.

"We also need to make sure that we are targeting the issue at the root by disrupting and changing behaviour and raising awareness through important campaigns like White Ribbon.”

Chief Fire Officer Nathan Travis, from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS), said: “By raising awareness through this joint event, we hope that more people will recognise the signs of an abusive relationship so that those that suffer domestic violence or those that witness it can speak out and seek the appropriate help.”

West Mercia Police Detective Inspector Liz Warner said: “It is imperative to establish how we can work together to tackle coercive and controlling behaviour. It gives us a chance to interact with colleagues that we don’t often get to meet face-to-face and share ideas."