We support campaign to end domestic abuse

Event will highlight what can be done to tackle violence against women

TODAY your Worcester News gets behind a new campaign to end the terror felt by victims of domestic violence.

The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse has pledged its support to an international event that aims to end violence against women. Entitled The 16 Days of Action, the campaign, launched yesterday, runs until Monday, December 10. During that time we will be displaying the campaign’s logo – a white ribbon – on our masthead.

Martin Lakeman, strategic co-ordinator for the forum, said the original 16 Days of Action campaign had been launched in Canada in 1991 to coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and International Human Rights Day. “It’s an important event as it helps to highlight what can be done to tackle violence against women at a local level, supported by events and activities throughout the world,” he said.



IT’S TIME TO TAKE ACTION: The Worcestershire Forum

Against Domestic Abuse has pledged its support to an

event that aims to end the violence against women.

 To launch the campaign locally today members of the military, police and emergency services will assemble outside the Guildhall in Worcester and representatives from Stonham will be at Tesco in Evesham. Later in the week Worcester Community Safety Partnership will be handing out white ribbons alongside a candle lit vigil outside the Guildhall on Thursday between 4.30pm and 6pm and on Friday Redditch town centre will play host to a special event entitled ‘These heels are made for walking’, which will see men complete a one-mile walk in women’s shoes – from heels, slippers to wellies and wedges.

Since the launch of The 16 Days campaign more than 2000 organisations in over 156 countries have taken part in a bid to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women. “We are heartened by the level of support and interest that The 16 Days of Action campaign receives locally,” said Mr Lakeman. “We work hard all year round to raise awareness of the misery that domestic abuse causes to families throughout Worcestershire; however an event such as this really helps bring it to the forefront of people’s minds.
“Raising awareness of what is so often a hidden issue is vital in addressing – and ultimately overcoming – domestic abuse. The simple message is, do not suffer in silence.”

Although The 16 Days of Action is a campaign that aims to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women, The Forum is committed to supporting male victims in abusive relationships and will be highlighting this as part of the campaign.

For further information about The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse contact Martin Lakeman on 01905 822 357.

To call in confidence about domestic abuse call 0800 980 3331