 On 25 November, the world marks the international day for the elimination of violence against women. 25 November also marks White Ribbon Day. Violence against women is a violation of human rights. It is both a cause and consequence of inequality between women and men. It includes, but is not limited to, domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence. It includes sexual exploitation, honour-based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation. White Ribbon campaign men need to be involved because it's our responsibility. Men commit 80% of interpersonal violence. It's also meant responsibility because women's organisations want us to be involved. And it's our responsibility because some men listen better if they hear it coming from other men. Violence against women is not a women's issue though. It is a significant problem for the world and a significant problem for Wales. It requires a global response that includes all of our citizens. This includes men and boys who have a crucial role to play in stating clearly that this is unacceptable. Well, it may be 2017 and I know we've made great leaps in combating violence against women. But it's still going on in truth and there's still a lot of more work to do. And unless we raise awareness we're not going to get those incidents reported. We need an integrated approach to ending these issues from leadership within management to frontline professionals. It's absolutely critical that Welsh Public Service acknowledge the role of violence against women, domestic violence and sexual abuse with colleagues in the workplace. We really must acknowledge that these are real issues that people experience. And so as colleagues, as line managers, as co-workers we have to look out for the signs and to offer the right support at the right time. Its estimates suggest that we spend about £40 billion on dealing with these issues, not just in terms of public services but also in terms of lost economic output. And in times of austerity that simply cannot carry on. So the main thing about this is trying to deal with the trauma and the people. The work of our public services to end violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence is a credit to Wales. I think it's really important that we recognise the role that public service leaders play in tackling violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. We can send out such a strong message. And we know these issues impact on our communities, our families, our friends and also crucially of course our workplace and our staff. There's lots of tools out there to help employers and leaders in really tackling violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. A really effective workplace policy can make all the difference and making sure that's properly implemented. So that employees can really recognise when their colleagues are experiencing these issues but also the communities that we serve. And Welsh Government has got very good and accessible e-learning to really help raise staff awareness. On White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, reinvigorate your response to those who experience violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence and to the White Ribbon ethos.