How to become a White Ribbon Campaign Ambassador

With the international 16 Days of Action campaign – also known as The White Ribbon Campaign – fast approaching, here we take a look at how two Worcestershire men are making a difference and taking a stand against violence against women and girls.

Name : Michael Conroy-Harris, White Ribbon Ambassador and a Coach for A Call to Men UK.

“Sometimes things happen that seem to wrap what you thought were separate threads of your life together in a way that makes perfect sense afterwards, but which you never saw coming.

“Until barely three twelve months ago I did nothing that wasn't about just getting through the day, working, eating, wishing I could sleep better and moaning about needing more satisfaction out of my days life. Another frustrated middle-aged man. Ideal company.

“I'd kind of lost the plot. A plot in which the opening chapters, the unreliable rear-view mirror told me, were full of fervent beliefs, risk-taking, challenge to what seemed wrong and a sense that the future was up for grabs. Mid-life crisis was in the post and I was a jaded ex-everything. Ex-optimist, ex-questioner, ex-believer in causes.

“Then, somehow, I started to feel the ravelling of threads - if ravelling is the opposite of unravelling. 

“At work - I organise collaborative programmes between groups of schools in the Midlands - two of the many things with which I was involved started, more than usual, to take centre-stage and demand that I made a particular effort, did them 'right'.

“One was promoting the White Ribbon Campaign which encourages men to take a public stand in the fight against violence against women and girls and one was helping get a 'Coaching Healthy and Respectful Masculinity' Programme, run by A Call To Men UK, off the ground.

“At work I spin plates, find grants, link people, and am well used to balancing loads of strands and just being glad that they happen and then moving on to the next. But these two projects just seemed to 'matter' more.

“With a great network of local partners - teachers in schools - The ContinU Trust consortium of Wyre Forest and Hagley - Wyre Forest District Council’s Safer Wyre Forest Partnership and our Community Ambassadors – Year 10 students - we made the White Ribbon - the symbol of the movement that has spread from Canada across the Anglophone world - appear on the lapels of whole bus queues of teenage students, on the aprons of catering staff, the lanyards of cleaners and the suits of school governors and head teachers. We commissioned plays tackling the themes of domestic abuse and controlling relationships and we gathered two thousand pledges from students never to 'commit, condone or remain silent' about violence and abuse. It felt like the right thing to be doing.
“The White Ribbon Campaign's big push – The 16 Days of Action - runs from Wednesday 25 November to Thursday 10 December this year. Normally - for me, if not for them - the day after it ends our materials are packed away, the displays cleared and the next project is under way. On the 11 December last year, instead, I rang the White Ribbon Campaign offices and said 'I want to be a WRC ambassador, year-round'. Simple. In schools we urge students to volunteer and make a contribution to the wider community. I have done years of talking exactly that talk without ever actually walking the walk.

“Before Christmas I was on board and at the end of January I got my first ambassadorial 'posting' - to a fundraising comedy night in Swansea. Rocking up at The Liberty Stadium to see nearly 300 people sporting the ribbons, sticking their hands deep in their pockets and shining a light on the grimly routine annual murder of 120 British women, gave me, strangely, a long-forgotten sense of purpose - this was what I should be doing with my Saturday nights, 100 miles from home! I should be standing up and being counted, connected to other people, struggling for something better. Of course.

“Around the same time A Call To Men UK started to train me and colleagues from schools in the 'Coaching Healthy & Respectful Masculinity' programme. CH & RM is the fruit of collaboration between Kay Clarke, founder of Midlands Domestic Abuse Survivors' group 'Supportworks Foundation' and Tony Porter, inspirational US speaker and Co-founder of A Call To Men (US). Their perseverance and inspirational presentations have won me over to their cause, too, and I am happy to do what I can, within and beyond my day-job, to promote their work. I currently manage their twitter feed which has been a steep and rapid learning curve for a twitter ingénue. I also deliver the CH & RM programme to some fantastic students that seem to enjoy the discussions – they keep coming back to the voluntary sessions, at least! It’s a privilege to work with these young men and I’m sure they will be ‘change-makers’ of the near future.

“A CALL TO MEN UK’s programme is nationally ground-breaking - a 10 week curriculum for teenage lads, delivered in school, in how to unpick language, media images, historical beliefs and their own attitudes towards women and girls and themselves as developing men.

“A CALL TO MEN UK’s key concept is the Man-box, a mental structure that keeps men and boys trapped in rigidly defined and self-policed versions of masculinity that lead them to disconnect from the experience of women, to undervalue them and to see them as objects. Although most men are well-meaning and not abusive, the shared codes of the man-box transmit a kind of collective nod and wink to abusers. Getting out of the man-box is therefore a key to safer lives for women - and perhaps happier lives for men, into the bargain.

“So here I am - in the space of a year I've gone from moaning about being a little directionless and unsatisfied to volunteering for two organisations that I believe in and which give me energy. In the process I feel like I've rediscovered, in a small way, how I felt as a young man, ready for an uphill slog. I look at my kids when we talk about the man-box or as they help me get the stall ready at a White Ribbon event and I wonder only one thing - why didn't I do any of this before?
Name: Martin Lakeman – Strategic coordinator for domestic abuse and sexual violence, White Ribbon Ambassador.

I have an amazing job and the privilege to work with a range of passionate professionals that strive every day to make a difference to support those suffering abuse, to make a better life and move from being victims to survivors. 

I have held this position for the past three years, a dream job after having completed 32 years with West Mercia Police. I look back at my time in the police with pride and a real sense of achievement. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have loved every day. I ended my career as Detective Superintendent, Head of Public Protection for the force, enabling me to work in partnership to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. An extremely challenging, yet rewarding role. For the past 15 years, I have championed the issue of domestic abuse. It's erosive and destroys families. We all know someone that’s been affected to a lessor or greater degree. The statistics are staggering, and what we know about is only the tip of the iceberg.

Worcestershire has much to be proud of. We have just been awarded National White Ribbon status as a county for our collective work in this area, a significant achievement. The White Ribbon campaign draws attention to abuse in many forms, a subject that we don't want to think or talk about. It makes us feel uncomfortable, but one we need to confront. When I was presenting to White Ribbon, I discovered that Worcestershire makes up 20 per cent of all the national pledges; that’s some statement and recognition of our efforts to raise awareness! But, we need to do more to change attitudes and behaviours. As a father, I want my kids to grow up in a world where people respect each other and value relationships. 

It's strange but extremely rewarding being a man working in an area that is traditionally dominated by women. Recently, I gave a presentation to a group from the Women's Institute and was met with the remark, ‘Oh, we were expecting a woman not a man!’; however, we soon overcame that perception! It’s a privilege to be able to work with women's groups and to make a difference as a man. Every time I listen to the stories of survivors of abuse, it makes me more determined to make that difference, however small. To raise awareness of a crime that destroys lives.
  
In my spare time I play rugby for Bromsgrove, and have done so for the past 30 years. Once again this year I will be inviting my team mates to join in the campaign and stand together against violence and wear the white ribbon with pride. I have been impressed with the involvement of sporting teams across Worcestershire, from professional basketball players to semi-professional footballers, all young men, who’s attitude has impressed me with reactions such as, ‘A campaign against domestic abuse, I want to get behind that, what can I do?’

Martin Lakeman

Domestic abuse affects both men and women - but is disproportionately committed against women - and as men we need to do something about that. No one should have to suffer in silence, whether you're a man or a woman. The helpline in Worcestershire provides help and support to both men and women. I will wear my ribbon with pride during the forthcoming campaign, as I do throughout the year and encourage others, particularly men, to get involved.  

If you are interested in becoming a Worcestershire White Ribbon Ambassador, call Martin Lakeman on 01905 822 357.

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

If you're in need of help and support either call the Worcestershire 24 hour domestic abuse helpline on 0800 980 3331 (for both men and women) or Worcestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre's Helpline on 01905 724514. 

New Domestic Abuse Poster

Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence release new domestic abuse poster.  The poster seeks to reach out to those suffering in silence and to re-enforce what domestic abuse is. It is not restricted to physical violence and now includes controlling behaviour. If you need help call the helpline on 0800 913 3331. 

VEV Champion Honoured With Award

The Worcestershire Forum against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence were pleased to recognise the excellent work undertaken by Kiran Robotham for the delivery of the Visual Evidence for Victims scheme (VEV) across Worcestershire.

She was presented with a Quality People award by the Forum. VEV is designed to take police approved photographs of injuries or things that have been damaged. Examples being;- Physical injuries, such as bruises, cuts, scratches or pulled out hair. The project can also store photographs securely so that they will be available if you decide to report the crime later on. Images are stored securely for up to 6 years allowing the victim time to decide what do whilst securing that vital evidence. VEV is run by Victim Support with the help of other local organizations independent of the police. Across Worcestershire there are a range of agencies trained as VEV champions, namely:- Stonham, Women's Aid, The Glade, WMRSASC, Safer Worcester, Victim Support, Maggs Day Centre, and Bromsgrove District Housing Trust. Plans for other agencies to take part are in the pipeline. Well done Kiran!

Health Event to Launch New IDVA Service

Health professionals came together last week to hear about a new service due to be launched at Worcester Royal Hospital in September 2014. This exciting initiative will see an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) from West Mercia Women's Aid working alongside A&E and Maternity staff in seeking to identify, support and signpost both women and men suffering domestic abuse to specialist services. The event attended by a wide range of health professionals from both the acute and community settings heard about the devastating effects of domestic abuse and how staff can work together to make a difference. Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for Health, which is estimated to cost Health alone £1.7 billion per year.

Adele Mcguigan, Regional Safeguarding and IDVA Manager for West Mercia Women's Aid said "We welcome this joint initiative and this will allow our specialists to work alongside health staff who will take responsibility for signposting and supporting victims." She went on to say "We just need staff to get us that critical consent off patients and we will do the rest"  The initiative will see the IDVA working across the hospital, accessible to all. However, in addition to A&E, Maternity will be feature highly with 30% of domestic abuse alarmingly starting in pregnancy.

Donna Daly Specialist Midwife, part of the working group said "I and my staff are really looking forward to working with the IDVA. Since raising awareness of domestic abuse across the workforce we have seen a rise in referrals and I believe it will allow midwifes to protect women at a time when they are most vulnerable both pre and post birth".

Clare Bush, Matron for Emergency Departments across the Worcestershire Hospital NHS Acute Trust who has been overseeing and driving this initiative said "This is an exciting time for the hospital in identifying, supporting and signposting victims of domestic abuse. My staff are looking forward to working with the IDVA and through the ongoing training have a re-newed focus on making a difference to those that need help and support."  

Volunteers "Making the difference"

West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 22nd July.  

Many of the services provided by WMRSASC are delivered by volunteers and it is important to recognise the contribution they make to the service and the difference they make to survivors lives.  WMRSASC is incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment of all of our volunteers and made part of the AGM a celebration of this making awards to those who have volunteered for WMRSASC for over five and ten years.  Pictured are four of our longest serving members, Alie, Kate, Kerrie and Andrea after receiving their awards.

Alie, Kate, Kerrie and Andrea

Domestic Abuse Victims & Survivors Called to Action by Worcestershire County Council

Worcestershire County Council are keen to complete a needs assessment in order to create a clear picture of the quality and appropriateness of current services to meet the needs of people experiencing domestic abuse and are asking domestic abuse victims & survivors to participate in a survey.

The information you provide will only be used to help the County Council understand how to ensure people are aware of services and to make sure information, advice and support is easily accessible. We also need to plan future services according to needs and emerging trends in patterns of domestic abuse.

The County Council are receiving a lot less funding from April 2015, therefore investment in non-statutory services including services for people experiencing domestic abuse have had their budgets reduced by 50%. Therefore we need your help to prioritise services that make the most of difference to people's lives. We also need to ensure support reduces the need for children to go into care, reduce the risk of injury, adults being in need of protection and break the cycle of domestic abuse.

You must be aged 16 or over to complete this survey, and only complete this if you have experienced domestic abuse and have accessed a service.

This survey will close at 5pm on Friday 18th July 2014.

Please complete the survey.

'Working without Fear' Campaign launched on National Stalking Awareness Day 2014

The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual  Violence is supporting and promoting the "Working without fear" awareness campaign which focuses on raising awareness around stalking in the workplace as part of National Stalking Awareness day, April 24^th. The campaign is to inform employers and employees about how to deal with the issue of stalking in the workplace.

Martin Lakeman, Strategic Co-ordinator for The Forum said: “The issue of stalking in the workplace is far more common than many people think. Research shows that in the UK, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men are stalked at some point in their lives (British Crime Survey 2011). Stalkers can be colleagues or clients - and of those stalkers who are not, 50% will still present themselves at the victim’s workplace. This creates risk not only for the victim but also their colleagues or manager who may have to interact with the stalker if they do turn up to the premises. We want employers to examine whether they have policies and procedures to support their staff, there most important asset”

• 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will be stalked at some point in their lives;

• 40 per cent of victims are stalked by an ex-partner; crucially, in many cases the partner would have been emotionally or physically abusive during the relationship;

• Ex-partner stalking cases carry the highest risk of escalation to physical violence;

• On average, a stalker will contact 21 people connected to the victim. This may include family, friends, employer, neighbours; even, in some cases, the victim’s regular gym or favourite café;

• It is becoming more common for stalkers to use technology like GPS on mobiles, tracker devices or spyware on phones to locate a victim;

Stalking is repeated unwanted contact from one person to another which demonstrates either a fixation or obsession and causes the victim to feel alarm, distress or fear of violence. Stalkers who are not related to the workplace often make contact with the victim there because of ease of access or simply in order to cause them further distress.

The 2012 Act created two new offences of stalking and stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm and distress; The new law in England and Wales provides a non-exhaustive list of behaviours that can be viewed as stalking and this includes following a person, publishing any statement or other material relating or purporting to relate to a person, monitoring the use of a person via the internet, loitering in any place - whether public or private - contacting or attempting to contact a person by any means.  The perpetrator does not need to be threatening violence before stalking becomes a criminal offence. Under section 4A of the new stalking law, behaviour that causes serious distress is viewed equally as behaviour that involves a fear of violence.

The facts around stalking make for sobering reading :

Martin concluded: "This awareness campaign is really important, the impact on victims of stalking is devastating and sadly we know can have tragic consequences. It's vitally important that employers recognise their role in supporting staff and that victim's know they will be listened to, believed and supported".

The Great Project - Making a difference

The greatest challenge facing us is educating young people about what healthy and respectful relationships are and how to recognise what constitutes an unhealthy relationship. This article seeks to report on the positive news around our new initiative, The Great project. Great stands for Good Relationships Are Equal and Trusting. The following findings come from the early stages of the Herefordshire pilot, but our pilot in Worcestershire commenced in January at Birchensale Middle, Redditch, Ipsley Middle, Redditch, St John's Primary, Kidderminster, Gorse Hill Primary, Worcester and Stanley Road Primary, Worcester.

The GREAT Project is being extremely well received by the children, staff and teachers in each of the schools that WMWA have delivered in. To date, they have successfully delivered The GREAT Project to 87 children across three classes.

Evaluation data compiled so far from pupils and teachers in the participating schools detailed above shows:

The GREAT Project

• At the end of the final session pupils gave The Great Project an average score of 9.92 out of 10
• 84.62% had spoken to their parents/carers about the project

Changes in Knowledge

• At the end of the final session 92.31% of pupils felt that The Great Project had changed the way they thought about the differences between boys and girls
• At the end of The Great Project 88.0% of pupils were able to correctly identify examples of domestic violence.
• At the end of The Great Project 100% of pupils were able to identify 2 places they could go to for help

 Changes in Attitude

• Prior to the project 57.69% of pupils felt it was never right for violence to be used in a relationship. At the end of The Great Project 84.62% agreed with this.
• Prior to the project 30.77% of pupils disagreed with societal gender stereotypes. At the end of The Great Project 84.62% disagreed.

 Changes in Behaviour

• 96.15 % of pupils reported that The Great Project had made them think about how they behaved with classmates.

I look forward to a further report on the projects progress.

Rugby star supports SAY NO campaign

Today marks the launch of an international campaign aiming to end violence against women.
The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence has pledged to support the White Ribbon Campaign, which urges men in the county to pledge never to condone or accept violence against women in any form.

Entitled The 16 Days of Action, the campaign will run until Tuesday, December 10.
Among those backing the campaign are the Worcester Wolves basketball team, former Worcester Warriors star Craig Gillies and Worcester City Council.
On Thursday dozens of men donned heels for a mile long walk in support of the campaign.
Mr Gillies said he was supporting the campaign for the second year.
“It's certainly a worthy cause,” he said. 

“It’s not something I've had personal experience of thankfully but it is an issue I've always felt a strong connection with. 

“Nobody should act that way towards a loved one.”

Martin Lakeman, strategic co-ordinator for the forum, said: “The 16 Days of Action was originally launched in Canada in 1991.

“The dates are symbolic, in that November 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Day and December 10 is International Human Rights Day.
“It’s an important event, as it helps to highlight what can be done to tackle violence against men, women and children at a local level, supported by events and activities throughout the world.”
Today’s launch event, at the University of Worcester, features Worcester’s Poet Laureate, Holly-Anne Perrett, as well as representatives from the Worcester Wolves, university students and staff, the Mayor of Worcester Pat Agar and High Sheriff Nicholas Wentworth-Stanley and his wife Millie.

After the launch event, Deputy Lieutenant Lady Susanne McFarlane will visit the Glade in Bransford – home to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) – to tie a ribbon around the tree that Lord Lieutenant Lady Darnley planted 12 months ago.

Today also marks the official launch of the forum’s new website, where men can sign up and make their pledge, with the campaign – backed by your Worcester News – targeting 10,000 commitments before the end of the 16 days.

Mr Lakeman said: “Since the 16 Days campaign began in 1991, more than 2,000 organisations in 156 countries have taken part in a bid to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women.

“Worcestershire fully supports this ethos and is working hard locally to raise awareness and open up the channels of communication regarding what is so often a hidden issue.
“We are heartened by the level of support and interest that The 16 Days of Action campaign receives locally.

“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.”
Visit whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/worcestershire to make your pledge, and tweet using #whiteribbonworcs to feature at worcesternews.co.uk/whiteribbon.

For further information about the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence please contact Martin Lakeman on 01905 822 357.


To call in confidence about domestic abuse, call 0800 9803331. 

Lady McFarlane joins The Glade to support White Ribbon Day

The Glade Sexual Assault Referral Centre is today 25 November 2013 welcoming Lady Susanna McFarlane, the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire to join them and partners to mark White Ribbon Day – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Emma Durmaz - SARC Manager & Forensic Nurse Examiner said "We are delighted that Lady McFarlane will be joining us as a special guest alongside police, and other partners to mark White Ribbon Day and to coincide with the launch day of 16 Days of Action against gender based violence.

"The day is even more important because it is also our first anniversary and Lady McFarlane will be tying the White Ribbon around the tree that Lord Lieutenant Lady Darnley planted a year ago to commemorate the opening of the Centre."

Since opening on 25 November 2012, The Glade’s two centres based in Worcestershire and Telford have helped 239 men, women and children who have been raped or sexually assaulted find the support they require.

The event will also include a tour of the SARC to raise awareness of the support that is available to men, women and children as we want to encourage more people who have been raped or seriously sexually assaulted to come forward and seek help.

Emma continued "The Glade is open 24/7 to support you whether the assault has just happened or happened some time ago maybe when you were a child. Please do not hesitate to contact us on 0808 178 2058 as we can offer immediate support and medical attention to check your health and well-being as well as longer term counselling and other services to help you come to terms with what has happened to you. Please do not keep it to yourself, we have helped many people and you are not on your own.

"Deciding what to do next is a difficult decision for anyone but we want to help you by explaining and supporting you through the options available.

It can take some people a lifetime before they seek help and report a rape to the police or other agency. Please remember, it is never too late. This is normal.

One option is to assist the police by providing forensic evidence and information anonymously. This means you will not be identified to the police.

Any information you pass on helps the police to track crime patterns and build a profile of a perpetrator that could assist other similar investigations. However the Police cannot prosecute anyone for your assault without your support.

If you are unsure, we can arrange an informal chat with the police without them knowing who you are. We will support you through this, but it is your decision.

If you do decide to report an assault to the Police your identity will remain anonymous. The law protects you by giving anonymity to victims of sexual assault for your lifetime. This means that no information likely to lead to your identification as a victim can be published or broadcast.

The International Day for the elimination of Violence Against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for people around the world to speak out, stand up and wear a ribbon for the women in their lives by pledging never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards them.

Supt Graeme Pallister said "If you know anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted, please urge them to seek help by talking to someone about what has happened to them. There are many agencies that want to help.

"We would ask men in the region to show their support of the women in their lives by visiting www.stoprapenow.co.uk to check they and their friends fully understand consent.

White Ribbon Day is about ending violence against women, but we are here to help and support men and children who can be raped too.

The www.stoprapenow.co.uk campaign was launched in June 2013 by police, health, councils and support agencies across the Warwickshire and West Mercia region.

Former Head of CEOP backs campaign

Jim Gamble the founder and former Head of The Child Exploitation Online Protection Service (CEOP) has lent his support to the Worcestershire Forum against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence's SAY NO to domestic abuse and sexual violence campaign which runs from the 25^th November to the 10^th December. 

Known nationally at the White Ribbon campaign, Worcestershire is seeking to secure 10,000 pledges of support. Mr Gamble was also previously the national lead for both Child Protection and Domestic Abuse, said he was delighted to be able to support the campaign. He was the keynote speaker at a conference held in Worcestershire on 8^th November which focused around sexual exploitation. 

To find out more about the campaign and make your pledge go to www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/worcestershire

Teenspeak Campaign

The voices of children and young people, their experiences and needs are an integral part of the work done at Women’s Aid. We want to ensure that approaches from services and policies consistently includes the views of children and young people affected by domestic violence, especially during times where external changes may have an impact on their daily lives when dealing with domestic abuse.

Teenspeak’ is a campaign we developed that enables young people affected by domestic abuse, including intimate partner violence, to voice their concerns and needs to policy makers and professionals actively involved in addressing violence against women and girls and hear their response.

We collected questions from young people who have experienced domestic abuse from across England. The questions were used in interviews of five leading people in education, government and criminal justice, which were filmed by 3 young survivors and made into 5 short films with the dedicated support from VividEcho and funding from the BBC Children In Need.

We are very excited to be launching the Teenspeak films at the Refuge in Film festival on the 1^st November at the British Film Institute, South Bank.

The Teenspeak series of short films

Film 1 : Domestic Abuse- Introduction

Film 2 : Domestic Abuse- The Law

Film 3 : Domestic Abuse- Education

Film 4 : Domestic Abuse- Practical Information

Film 5 : Domestic Abuse- What can we do now?

All the interviews will be placed on The Hideout, a Women’s Aid website which helps children and young people to understand domestic abuse and provides advice on how to take positive action if they are experiencing it. Young people will have an opportunity to comment on the interviews. This educational resource can also be used as an extension activity to our Expect Respect Toolkit and Can You See Me? DVD and educational toolkit which focuses on intimate partner violence.

We are keen to have the views of young people about the information provided in the short films, and will be uploading then on the Women’s Aid Youtube where they can leave comments and questions.

We would be grateful if you could promote the films to your networks and post them on your site!

For any further information, please contact the Women’s Aid National Children and Young Person officer, Thienhuong Nguyen, t.nguyen@womensaid.org.uk

ChildLine tackling sexting with Internet Watch Foundation

New initiative by ChildLine and the Internet Watch Foundation in relation to “sexting.”  This partnership follows a ChildLine survey of 13-18 year olds which found that young people are often taking significant risks by making and sending sexual images of themselves on the internet or through mobile phones.
The partnership with IWF means that ChildLine can help young people verify their age before logging a complaint to get an image removed swiftly and efficiently.

ChildLine has also developed an app for young people, which is designed to help them diffuse pressures on them to send an explicit image.  The app, called Zipit, offers witty images to send instead of explicit ones and provides advice on how to engage in safe chat and what to do if you are threatened.  The app will be available later this month.

The NSPCC is complementing the ChildLine initiative by providing advice to parents and carers on what they can do to advise and support their children in relation to “sexting.”  Many children and young people are more savvy about internet and mobile phone technology than their parents, so the advice, posted on the NSPCC website, will enable parents to take action.

Detailed information on this initiative is provided on the NSPCC website.

New iPhone App

The Forum are pleased to announce that through Respect not Fear the release of their iPhone and iPod App promoting Healthy Relationships.

Young people in Worcestershire who want to access information really quickly and quite often used their mobile phones to do this. This inspired Respect not Fear to get creative and innovative so the idea of an App emerged.

Respect not Fear worked very closely with young people to ensure the app had features that they felt other young people would find useful and fun. Our thanks go to a group of young women in Nottingham who designed all the art work that is featured on the App.

The App is a smaller version of the Respect not fear website (accessed via the Children and Young People tab) on the forum website www.worcestershiredomesticandsexualabuse.co.uk and contains information about relationships. Once downloaded it can provide a young person with instant access to important information and support services. It also has the pledge, pyramid and respect'o'meter games that can be played.


The best feature of this App is that it is FREE to download! So go to the Apple App store, search for Respect Not Fear and get downloading now! 

Awards for excellence in fight against domestic abuse

Two outstanding individuals have been recognised for their work in tackling domestic abuse.
The accolades – presented by The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse – were awarded to Jemma Price from West Mercia Women’s Aid and Sarah Chapman, web developer at Worcestershire County Council.

Jemma has been honoured for her work in heading up the CRUSH project, a local initiative that – due to its success – will be rolled out nationally across the UK later this year.

Jemma Price and Martin Lakeman

Charlotte Woodward – also from West Mercia Women’s Aid -developed the CRUSH Project which was launched in October 2011. Funded by the Big Lottery’s Young People’s Fund it helps teenagers, aged 13 to 19 years, to avoid abusive relationships, end an abusive relationship safely or better manage their exposure to domestic abuse in the household in which they live.

Since its launch, CRUSH has gone from strength to strength. Since June 2012 it has been running throughout West Mercia and has offered places to more than 250 young people.  In addition, organisations ran ‘closed’ groups throughout the area for 130 further young people.  CRUSH presentations have been delivered to a variety of professional bodies which work with young people, including West Mercia Police – these presentations have reached more than 3000 children and young people.

85 per cent of those that have completed the CRUSH programme have reported a change in attitude towards relationships in the following areas :

• Ways men and women behave in relationships;
• What to expect from a partner;
• Expectations about a partner;
• Ways you behave to the opposite sex;
• Ways you behave towards your partner;
• Ways you behave towards your parents;
• Ways you deal with the impact of domestic abuse on you.

Notably, young people reported changed attitudes towards their own relationships, with more than a third receiving support.  It is clear from young people’s feedback that they both want and need information about abuse in relationships and that they are frequently not getting this from elsewhere.
CRUSH helps young people learn through the experiences of fictional characters that they create and guide through a number of typical teenage scenarios, culminating in how to deal with an abusive relationship.  The programme is specifically designed to complement the subject matter around domestic abuse, healthy relationships and gender bullying that may take place in schools’ PSHE/Citizenship curriculums or initiatives such as Expect Respect.

Jemma said : “I am absolutely delighted to have been presented with an award for West Mercia Women’s Aid CRUSH project; it is testimony to the positive and enduring impact it has on those young people who take part.”

“The statistics surrounding sexual abuse, intimidation and violence in teenage intimate relationships are frightening.  Both nationally and locally we are hopeful that this situation can change.

“Nationally, research shows that teenage girls between 16 and 19 are now the group most at risk of domestic violence, closely followed by women aged 20-24.

“And locally, the CRUSH Project provides teenagers with the emotional and practical knowledge they need to recognise and deal with and successfully move on from abusive relationships.”

Sarah Chapman, web developer at Worcestershire County Council, has been recognised for her work in developing and launching a new and improved website to further support local victims.

The new website – www.worcestershiredomesticandsexualabuse.co.uk – was officially launched on Thursday 20 June, and offers help and guidance to women, children and men, providing a one-stop shop of local services and helplines.

The site is currently being promoted via two postcards which have been distributed across Worcestershire in places such as libraries, schools and doctor's surgeries.

Sarah Chapman and Martin Lakeman

Easy to navigate, the new website includes information on the following :

• Domestic abuse
• Sexual violence
• Children and young people
• Forced marriage
• Stalking
• Support services
• Worrying behaviour
• Keeping safe
• Internet safety

Sarah said : “Working with The Forum to develop such an important tool in its fight against domestic abuse has been so rewarding.  The new site aims to encourage victims to come forward and seek advice; we hope that visitors to the website will be able to find the strength to contact the many agencies that are here to help.”
Martin Lakeman, Strategic Co-ordinator for The Forum said: “Celebrating the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm of individuals is an important part of our work. By recognising such individuals it not only raises awareness of excellence but importantly highlights the issue of domestic abuse and sexual violence that we are working so hard to tackle.  Our congratulations to them both!”

The awards were presented by Martin to Jemma and Sarah at a ceremony earlier this month.
For further information about The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse please contact Martin Lakeman on 01905 822 357.

New website to help victims of domestic and sexual violence in Worcestershire

The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence will launch a new and improved website to further support local victims.

The new website – www.worcestershiredomesticandsexualabuse.co.uk – will be officially launched on Thursday 20 June, offering help and guidance to women, children and men, providing a one-stop shop of local services and helplines.

Martin Lakeman, Strategic Co-ordinator for The Forum explained : “The key theme running through our new website is to ensure that victims are aware of the range of specialist services / agencies that can provide both advice and support at what is a most traumatic time.  Encouraging victims to come forward and seek advice is critical in tackling these frightening issues; we hope that visitors to the website will be able to find the strength to contact the many agencies that are here to help.”

The site will be promoted via two postcards which will be distributed across Worcestershire in places such as libraries, schools, doctor's surgeries.

Easy to navigate, the new website includes information on the following :

• Domestic abuse
• Sexual violence
• Children and young people
• Forced marriage
• Stalking
• Support services
• Worrying behaviour
• Keeping safe
• Internet safety

Martin added" a key element of the site is a section devoted to survivor stories. It is vital that people suffering in silence realise they are not alone"

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

To call in confidence about domestic abuse call 0800 980 3331.

Sexual violence forum backs funding to support children and male victims

News of much needed funding to help victims of sexual violence has been welcomed by The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.

The £209,004 grant has been awarded to the West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre – a Forum partner – as part of the newly launched West Mercia Commissioner’s Grant Scheme.

The funding will enable the centre to extend the ISVA – or Independent Sexual Violence Advisor – service to support children from aged 11 upwards as well as male survivors of sexual violence.

Currently there are 5 ISVAs working across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, supporting women, aged 16 and over, who have been raped or sexually abused at any time during their life.  The current ISVA service offers women the opportunity to talk in a safe and confidential environment.  As the ISVA works independently they are able to offer non-judgmental support and provide information to enable the client to make informed choices.  The ISVA completes an initial risk/safety assessment with their client and from this a support plan is agreed.  The current system works  towards empowering women and breaking down the isolation and loss of control associated with sexual violence crimes; the ISVA is also able to signpost and refer to other appropriate agencies and advocate on their client’s behalf.

Martin Lakeman, Startegic Co-ordinator for The Worcester Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence said : “Previously the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service has been a woman only service.  Extending this to include services for men and children is vital and we wholeheartedly support it.”

West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre is currently negotiating with the University of Worcester to complete an evaluation of the service over the next 12 months.  It is hoped the results will provide a strong evidence base to encourage local statutory agencies to extend the services beyond the 12 month period and also demonstrate the need to extend the current counselling service.

The majority of current referrals are received from West Mercia Police involving women who have already reported a crime.  Crucially, the ISVA system also offers the same service to women whether or not they have reported the issue to the police.  Subsequently, a number of these women who had not reported reconsidered this and made formal complaints as a result of the support they received from the ISVA.

In 2011/2012, the ISVA service received 194 referrals.  Statistics from the previous financial year show that referrals have increased by 10 per cent.

Referral sources for 2011/2012 are as follows :

• West Mercia Police – 72 per cent;
• West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre – 7 per cent;
• Self referral – 5 per cent;
• Other agencies – 4 per cent;
• Victim Support – 3 per cent;
• Women’s Aid – 2 per cent;
• Community Mental Health – 2 per cent;
• Health visitor – 1 per cent;
• Social services – 1 per cent;
• West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Helpline – 1 per cent;
• Witness care – 1 per cent;
• Other police – 1 per cent.

  Martin concluded : “These specialist workers provide a lifeline for victims at a time when they are most vulnerable and give them the courage and confidence to make informed decisions on the way forward.  Once again our message is simple, please don’t suffer in silence.”

West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre can be contacted on 01905 611 655.
For further information about The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence please contact Martin Lakeman on 01905 822 357.

To call in confidence about domestic abuse call 0800 980 3331.

Stalking conference hailed a success, say organisers

The first ever event in Worcestershire to raise awareness of a significant change in harassment law took place earlier this week.

The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence – in partnership with the University of Worcester and The Protection Against Stalking Charity – held the event to raise awareness of the new legislation and to support National Stalking Awareness Day, which takes place on Thursday 18 April.

The conference took place on Monday 15 April at The University of Worcester.

The half day event welcomed a number of high profile speakers including :

Tricia Bernal - Tricia’s daughter Clare was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, a security guard at Harvey Nichols, where Clare worked as a beauty consultant.  Tricia has worked tirelessly since the tragic death of her daughter in September 2005 to strengthen anti-stalking laws.  She is on The Association of Chief Police Officers steering group for stalking and harassment and founder of the charity Protection Against Stalking (PAS).  Tricia’s other work is for AAFDA, Advocacy after Fatal Domestic Abuse.  During the event, Tricia’s heartfelt account of her daughter’s murder and the inadequacies of the then existing system - which did nothing to protect her daughter – were profoundly moving.

Laura Richards, Criminal Behavioural Analyst and Advisor -  Laura left New Scotland Yard in 2007 to take up the role of advising The Association of Chief Police Officers after a decade of working on violent crime.  She previously set up the first Homicide Prevention Unit in the UK, as well as the Violent Crime Intelligence Unit at New Scotland Yard.

Laura developed the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment and Honour based Violence Risk Checklist (DASH 2009) on behalf of ACPO and in partnership with Co-ordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse (CAADA).  Laura also initiated Multi-Agency Domestic Homicide Reviews in London in 2011 and has worked with the Home Office on developing the guidance, which was published two years ago. 

Laura co-founded the charity Protection Against Stalking (PAS) with Tricia Bernal and Carol Faruqui, whose daughters Clare and Rana were murdered by their stalkers.  Laura was also involved in setting up the National Stalking Helpline and a year later co-ordinated the UK’s first National Stalking Awareness Week in 2011.  She led and advised the all-party Parliamentary Inquiry into Stalking Law Reform, leading to two specific offences of stalking in November 2012.

Laura has been involved in many complex murder cases, assaults and other sexual and violent crimes.

Sam Taylor – Sam has been stalked by her former partner since 2008 and gave evidence of her case in Parliament at the Stalking Law Reform campaign, which led to the change in law.  Since the new law was announced, Sam has been working with Sussex Police using her own case to highlight where improvements can be made.  Sam recounted how her partner – a convicted sex offender – tried to murder her and manipulate the system to the extent that the stalking carried on – inbetween prison sentences – for many years.
  Ruth Jones, Programme Lead for the Centre for the Study of Violence and Abuse at Worcester University – Ruth was awarded the title of Worcestershire Woman of the Year 2011 and was named as one of 12 Inspirational Women of Europe in 2012.  As a senior lecturer, researcher and consultant, Ruth leads a core team of internationally known lecturers and researchers and is at the forefront of the new University of Worcester Centre for the Study of Violence and Abuse, which will be officially launched in November 2013.

The event welcomed more than 120 professionals working in both West Mercia and Warwickshire.

Martin Lakeman, Strategic Co-ordinator for The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence opened the event.

Martin said : “For the first time in British law, stalking is now a criminal offence.  Under The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – amended under The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 – there are now offences of stalking and harassment in British law.  The Forum welcomes this significant amendment as it now means that stalking is recognised for the devastating impact it can have on people’s lives and perpetrators can now be brought to justice under the UK’s judicial system.”

The new law in England and Wales provides a non-exhaustive list of behaviours viewed as stalking and this includes following a person, publishing any statement or other material relating or purporting to relate to a person, monitoring the use of a person via the internet, loitering in any place - whether public or private – and contacting or attempting to contact a person by any means.  The perpetrator does not need to be threatening violence before stalking becomes a criminal offence. Under section 4A of the new stalking law, behaviour that causes serious distress is viewed equally as behaviour that involves a fear of violence.

The facts around stalking make for sobering reading :

• 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will be stalked at some point in their lives;
• 40 per cent of victims are stalked by an ex-partner; crucially, in many cases the partner would have been emotionally or physically abusive during the relationship;
• Ex-partner stalking cases carry the highest risk of escalation to physical violence;
• On average, a stalker will contact 21 people connected to the victim. This may include family, friends, employer, neighbours; even, in some cases, the victim’s regular gym or favourite café;
• It is becoming more common for stalkers to use technology like GPS on mobiles, tracker devices or spyware on phones to locate a victim;

Martin concluded : “Listening to the stories of our keynote speakers highlighted the appalling consequences that stalking can have on both victims and their families.  The tragedy surrounding the death of Tricia’s daughter Clare and the devastating impact of years of abuse on Sam clearly should never have happened.  We hope the new laws will send out a clear message that stalking will not be tolerated and, crucially, save lives.”

Residents in Worcestershire can report abuse in confidence by contacting their local police station or in an emergency by phoning 999.  For free confidential information, support and advice they can phone the dedicated 24 hour helpline 0800 980 3331 or contact The National Stalking helpline on 0808 802 0300.

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

To call in confidence about domestic abuse call 0800 980 3331.

Conference support for National Stalking Awareness Day

With National Stalking Awareness Day taking place next week, The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence is holding a special event to highlight the issue.
The conference – which will take place on Monday 15 April at The University of Worcester – will raise awareness of the new stalking laws and will complement National Stalking Awareness Day which takes place throughout the country on Thursday 18 April.

A joint venture between The University of Worcester, The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence and The Protection Against Stalking Charity, the half day event will welcome speakers Laura Richards, Criminal Behavioural Analyst and Advisor; Tricia Bernal, who’s daughter Clare was murdered; Sam Taylor, a victim of stalking; Ruth Jones, Programme Lead for the Centre for the Study of Violence and Abuse at the University; Martin Lakeman, Strategic Co-ordinator for The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.

Martin Lakeman, Strategic Co-ordinator for The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence explained : “Whilst this event coincides with raising awareness of the new laws surrounding stalking, the power and impact of the event will be listening to the devastating impact on victims, survivors and their families.  Both Tricia and Sam were pivotal in the campaign to implement this new legislation.”

The event – which takes place from 9.30am until 1.00pm – is open to all professionals working in both West Mercia and Warwickshire.

The new legislation has been welcomed by professionals in the field; for the first time stalking is now recognised as a form of harassment.  Under The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – amended under The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 – there are now offences of stalking and harassment in British law.

The new law in England and Wales provides a non-exhaustive list of behaviours be viewed as stalking and this includes following a person, publishing any statement or other material relating or purporting to relate to a person, monitoring the use of a person via the internet, loitering in any place - whether public or private - contacting or attempting to contact a person by any means.  The perpetrator does not need to be threatening violence before stalking becomes a criminal offence. Under section 4A of the new stalking law, behaviour that causes serious distress is viewed equally as behaviour that involves a fear of violence.

The facts around stalking make for sobering reading :

• 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will be stalked at some point in their lives;
• 40 per cent of victims are stalked by an ex-partner; crucially, in many cases the partner would have been emotionally or physically abusive during the relationship;
• Ex-partner stalking cases carry the highest risk of escalation to physical violence;
• On average, a stalker will contact 21 people connected to the victim. This may include family, friends, employer, neighbours; even, in some cases, the victim’s regular gym or favourite café;
• It is becoming more common for stalkers to use technology like GPS on mobiles, tracker devices or spyware on phones to locate a victim;

Martin concluded : “The Forum thoroughly supports the change in law and the crucial recognition that this now gives to those that have been effected by stalking and harassment.  Our event will provide professionals with the awareness and tools to be able to help victims and their families and encourage them to come forward and never to suffer in silence.”
Residents in Worcestershire can report abuse in confidence by contacting their local police station or in an emergency by phoning 999.  For free confidential information, support and advice they can phone the dedicated 24 hour helpline 0800 980 3331 or contact The National Stalking helpline on 0808 802 0300.

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

To call in confidence about domestic abuse call 0800 980 3331.