Do Not Suffer in Silence
On Monday 26 November, the Royal Borough's Domestic Violence Forum will be using the White Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence across the Borough. The campaign is part of 16 days of international activism on violence against women, running through November and leading up to 25th November which is the International Day Against Violence Against Women.
On the day, a staffed display board with information and advice about domestic violence will be displayed at the top of the travelators in Sainsbury's, Maidenhead. Members of the Royal Borough's Domestic Violence Forum will be there to offer advice and support to those who have suffered, or who are currently suffering domestic violence and abuse, or professionals working with victims of domestic violence and abuse who would like to become more involved with the Forum.
The day will also see the launch of a new domestic violence poster which was commissioned by the Domestic Violence Forum and appeared as an advert in the Royal Borough's Community Safety Booklet which was delivered to all borough households over the summer. The poster will be sent out to all members of the Domestic Violence Forum, GP surgeries as well as various public places in December.
From 19 - 30 November, white ribbons will be on sale from the reception of Maidenhead Town Hall, York House in Windsor and the Domestic Violence Unit at Maidenhead Police Station. All proceeds from the white ribbons will go towards East Berkshire Women's Aid and Kinara Asian Women's Service. East Berkshire Women's Aid provides refuge space, drop-in services and outreach support for victims of domestic violence. Kinara Asian Women's Service provide refuge accommodation in a culturally sensitive atmosphere to Asian women who are victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Nationally, one in four women and one in six men will suffer domestic violence in their lifetimes. Domestic violence is a crime; it is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. Domestic violence accounts for 16 to 25 per cent of all violent crime.
Cllr Jesse Grey, cabinet member for community safety said, "Domestic violence is a cowardly crime, often carried out behind closed doors; we therefore need to ensure that victims have the information and support they need and to let perpetrators know that their behaviour will not be tolerated.
Days such as White Ribbon Day are key to raising awareness of domestic violence, to highlight local issues and the Royal Borough's domestic violence domestic violence forum. It is encouraging that victims are becoming more confident and coming forward to report this serious crime."
Sophie Crowe, domestic violence co-ordinator for Berkshire East said "It is important that we use the White Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence in the Royal Borough so that victims know where to go for help, how to report domestic violence, and what help and support there is available to them so they, and their children, can start to live a safer life.
The number of domestic violence incidents reported to the police in the Royal Borough has risen over the last couple of years, which indicates that victims are feeling more confident to report incidents. This is positive as in doing so, more offenders can be held accountable for their actions, and the victims seeking help can be provided with information and support from other agencies across the Royal Borough. We acknowledge that men may also be victims of domestic violence and abuse and would likewise encourage them to come forward to seek help and support".
To report domestic violence to Thames Valley Police, call 999 in an emergency or 0845 8 505 505 in a non emergency. To speak to someone in confidence, call East Berkshire Women's Aid on 01753 549865 or Kinara Asian Women's Service on 01753 573330. Men, if you are worried about your abusive behaviour, you can choose to stop. Call the Changing Ways East Berkshire & Wokingham Perpetrator Programme on 07818 054563.
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