Organisations in Wirral are once again coming together to support the campaign to end violence against women and girls.
To mark the annual White Ribbon Day and also the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, both on Thursday 25 November, the Wirral Domestic Abuse Alliance is publishing its annual report and launching the first of 16 blogs to challenge thinking around abuse and violence.
Justine Molyneux, Chair of Wirral’s Domestic Abuse Alliance said, “Each year, for White Ribbon Day thousands of people stand up, speak out and say no to violence against women. This year is more important than ever with an increase in violence, harassment and abuse towards women during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have committed our support to raise awareness of these two important campaigns and help people get the support they need.”
The Wirral Domestic Abuse Alliance annual report follows up on and reviews the domestic abuse strategy that was published a year ago. The ‘Domestic Abuse – No Excuse’ strategy was a joint venture between victims, survivors and workers to tackle domestic abuse over a five-year period.
The priorities in the strategy were:
- Be there when we are needed
- Increase safety for those at risk, without adding to their trauma
- Reduce opportunities for perpetrator to abuse
- Support people to live the lives they want after harm occurs
- A better, kinder future for the next generation
The annual report looks at the commitments made, progress against the priorities in the last year and includes reflections from local people on the difference it is making. One person said, “I have needed support like this for years, thank you so much for coming into my life.”
The 16 blogs cover topics including support for families, elder abuse, and the language that is used around domestic abuse and they tie in with the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism, which run until Human Rights Day on 10th December. The blogs will be published on the #ItsNeverOk website (https://itsneverokwirral.org/ 
), with contributions from a range of professionals, organisations, people and the ‘Voice Group’ – a group of survivors of domestic abuse who help shape local services.
On 10 December, the Wirral Safeguarding Partnership will hold a ‘We Can Talk About Domestic Abuse’ learning event for adult and children’s service professionals and staff from other organisations who want to learn more about the issue.
The sessions will include a presentation from Prof Jane Monckton-Smith, professor of public protection at the University of Gloucestershire who is recognised for her ground-breaking work on coercive control and stalking. To find out more about the event go to https://www.wirralsafeguarding.co.uk/we-can-talk-about-domestic-abuse-learning-event-10th-december-2021/
To coincide with this campaign, Wallasey Town Hall will illuminate orange from Thursday 25 November until Friday 10 December, alongside other iconic buildings and landmarks across the Liverpool City Region, as part of a global United Nations campaign aimed at ending gender-based violence and abuse.
Anyone can help raise awareness by:
- Wearing a white ribbon and showing support
- Being active on social media. Follow the White Ribbon Twitter page and spread the word using #WhiteRibbonDay #MakeThePromise #AllMenCan
Why not follow birkenhead.news on Facebook and Twitter? You can also send story ideas to news@birkenhead.news
Latest news