Cheshire East urges people to make their pledge to end domestic violence

 

Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Partnership (CEDAP) is leading the campaign to mark White Ribbon Day.

The campaign, which culminates on Friday, November 25, urges people to wear a white ribbon as a pledge against violence against women.

There are around 5,000 domestic incidents reported to police each year in Cheshire East, but many more incidents go unreported.

Nationally, two women die as a result of domestic violence each week and it affects one in four women and one in six men during their lives.

Cheshire East Council has been working with voluntary sector partners Adullam, Arch, Barnardo’s and Crewe Women’s Aid as well as staff at the Primary Care Trust, Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Probation Service, to provide a programme of activities.

These include visits to support centres, a display of artwork produced by women who’ve survived domestic abuse and a self defence day at Crewe Police Station.

Cheshire East Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “This is our opportunity to send a strong message that abuse is never acceptable.

“It is important we work with our partners to do all we can to reduce incidents of domestic violence across Cheshire East. Wearing a white ribbon shows that we will not ‘commit, condone or stay silent’ about violence against women. It is this kind of strong community rejection of abuse which will really keep adults and children safe.

“Just one violent incident – woman, man or child – as a result of domestic violence is one too many.”

This Friday, CEDAP housing sector partners are signing up to a ‘joint protocol’ which sets out standards and procedures for responding to families affected by domestic abuse.

These partners play a critical role in identifying abuse, responding to housing need as a result of abuse and supporting families to be safe in their homes.

Cheshire East Council has also launched its Employee Domestic Abuse Policy which aims to ensure that domestic abuse is properly addressed as a workplace issue through clear procedures, guidance and training and to highlight the levels of support available.

CEDAP’s newly established Survivors Forum has also produced a piece of artwork that will form part of the day. This artwork reflects on individual objects or locations that have helped women to recognise or affect change.

Those who do not get chance to view this artwork as part of the White Ribbon campaign can contact the Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit on 01606 363531, where it can be booked for a team event.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home. CEDAP urges any man or woman, who is experiencing domestic violence or knows someone who is, to contact the Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit, in confidence, on 01606 363532 or contact the national domestic violence free 24-hour helpline on 0808 2000 247.

More information can be found by typing ‘White Ribbon Day’ into the search engine on www.cheshireeast.gov.uk or at www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk