A campaign is being launched to help raise awareness of domestic abuse over the festive holidays and encourage people to report cases.

North Wales Police's #CheerNotFear campaign aims to educate people about different forms of domestic abuse, the signs to look out for in both victims and perpetrators, who can help and how to report cases to us.

"Light up" vigils will be taking place all over North Wales as part of White Ribbon Day on Thursday November 25. The campaign will also be using the "16 Days of Activism" international campaign to end violence against women to raise awareness of all types of domestic abuse.

Social media users are encouraged to follow the #CheerNotFear hashtag to show their support.

PC Mike Taggart; a Strategic Domestic Abuse Officer in North Wales Police's Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said "Every year nearly 2 million people in the UK suffer from some form of domestic abuse. Throughout the UK, 130,000 children live in homes with high-risk domestic abuse. Our message is simple; we want this to stop.

"The 'light up' vigils will be held in Bangor, Rhyl and Wrexham in honour of White Ribbon Day and in memory of Sarah Everard, who was kidnapped and murdered whilst walking home in South London in March this year.

"We are asking any members of the public to attend, wearing white ribbons and use the lights on their mobile phones or torches to show their support to end violence against women and domestic abuse, for good."

The ceremonies will all take place at 7pm at Pontio in Bangor University, Rhyl Events Arena and Queens Square, Wrexham and are expected to last for 30-60 minutes. Everyone is welcome.

PC Taggart added: "We are working with Live Fear Free – the All Wales Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline who provide help and advice about domestic abuse and sexual violence to help raise awareness throughout December.

"Please keep an eye on our social media channels between 25th November – 10th December for our posts about domestic abuse awareness."

For more infomation, visit: https://www.northwales.police.uk/news/north-wales/news/news/2021/november/cheernotfear-campaign