There is a packed programme for End Violence Against Women week to be held later this month in Bristol. The main activities in the week beginning Saturday 24 November include support by men, including a sign up from Bristol Rovers, for the anti violence against women White Ribbon campaign; a conference for professionals to hear from survivors of domestic violence and abuse to improve services; a Reclaim the Night march and a candlelit vigil. The full programme is attached.
From 24 to 30 November, Bristol will host a range of activities to highlight violence and abuse against women and girls. It will also focus on the day-to-day work by voluntary and statutory agencies to increase the understanding of the problem within society and to help victims and rehabilitate offenders. The week is being held to coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November.
“In Bristol, one in four women will be victims of domestic violence and abuse in their lifetimes,” said Gillian Douglas, Interim Service Director for Safer Bristol. “ End Violence Against Women Week will show that Bristol partner agencies and voluntary organisations are committed to supporting local women who are subjected to, and affected by, violence and abuse - and not just domestic violence, but any violence - be it by a family member, friend or complete stranger."
“Violence against women can be reduced by raising awareness, tackling society’s tolerant attitude towards this type of violence, encouraging perpetrators to address their behaviour, and informing and educating women on their human rights and how they can get support,” said Amy Campbell, Senior Health Promotion Specialist for NHS Bristol “During this week we have activities planned to emphasise all those messages.”
There are have been some events already, but highlights for the week include the following:
Rovers join in men against violence campaign
On Thursday 29 at midday on College Green, representatives from Bristol Rovers will join with men and women to pledge to tackle all forms of violence against women by backing the White Ribbon Campaign. Chris Green the national White Ribbon Campaign Director will be the guest speaker.
“The focus of the White Ribbon Campaign gives men the chance to show their support for ending domestic violence and abuse and to personally pledge that they will never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women” said Paul Welcomme who is Bristol’s White Ribbon Ambassador “We are delighted that Bristol Rovers once more have signed up to help us to make this public stand putting across a clear message that there is no excuse to be violent towards women.” he said.
Rovers Chair Nick Higgs said “We think this is a great chance to show the red card to men who abuse women and our players are happy to wear the ribbon to show that men are against domestic violence and abuse too.”
National Reclaim the Night march Saturday 24 November women from Bristol will travel up to London to join the march against rape and all forms of violence against women Assemble: 6pm Whitehall Place, nearest tube Embankment. March through closed streets of central London for rally.
Domestic Violence and Abuse Survivors Conference to improve services
Bristol Against Violence and Abuse are holding a conference where professionals and survivors of domestic violence and abuse will be brought together to look into ways of improving domestic violence and abuse support services. Professionals from a number of areas including Housing, Police, Crown Prosecution Service, and Children and Young Peoples Services will be present to listen to survivors’ feedback.
“It’s vital that, if we are to provide effective services, that we hear directly from women who have experienced violence and abuse. Only they can feel us what their experience has been in seeking support from agencies. We hope that many will come forward to give us first hand their experience” Shabana Kausar, Bristol Against Violence and Abuse, (BAVA) Co-ordinator
Candlelit Vigil Monday 26 November starting at 4.30 at Next ink Offices office at 5 Queen Square.
Next Link will be leading their annual candle lit vigil in memory of survivors of domestic violence and abuse. The walk will start from Next Link’s offices on Queens Square to College. Candles provided but people should bring their own jar. For more information, visit www.nextlinkhousing.co.uk or call 0117 9250680
Domestic Violence and Abuse: Awareness raising workshops
Workshops are being run from Monday 26th to Friday 30th November to raise awareness and understanding of domestic violence and abuse. The workshops are free and run for an hour and half. Facilitators are experienced in delivering training around domestic violence and abuse.
Bristol Drugs Project (BDP): Women’s mornings over November
Women's Morning runs every Wednesday from 11am - 1pm at BDP, 11 Brunswick Square, St Pauls BS2 8PE. The mornings are a drop in space for female service-users at BDP and each week consists of varied unstructured events which are not compulsory. The group provides peer support and members of BDP staff and volunteers are present for anyone who wants additional advice or support. Tea, coffee and fruit are provided. For more information, please contact BDP on 0117 9876009.
New guidelines help staff recognise domestic violence
Bristol City Council will be launching an updated domestic violence and abuse policy and guidelines to help Council staff recognise possible signs of domestic violence and abuse, and respond appropriately.
Further information on the week from www.bdaf.org.uk
Safeguarding Children and Domestic Violence and Abuse: A guide for professionals
NHS Bristol leaflet will be launching a leaflet to support anyone who works with children living with domestic violence and abuse (DVA) to:
• to protect the children
• to support the non-abusive parent to protect themselves and their children; and
• to hold the abusive partner accountable for their violence or abuse and to signpost them to opportunities to change.
Further information on the week from www.bdaf.org.uk
