International Women's Day 2007

The Royal Borough’s multi agency Domestic Violence Forum is once again supporting International Women's Day on 8th March by raising awareness of domestic violence against women.  To mark the day, there will be two stands, one staffed stand at Nicholson Centre, Maidenhead, another un staffed at Windsor Leisure Centre. 

In keeping with this year’s theme, a whole woman approach has been adopted, with information on health issues, alcohol, drugs and domestic violence available on the stand.  There will be face painting for children at the Nicholson centre (between 11 am and 2 pm).  There is also the opportunity to enter a prize draw, with prizes on offer including a free spa treatment at the Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor and a free session at Curves (women only gym, Maidenhead).  The stand will be staffed from members of the borough’s multi-agency domestic violence forum.  Information is also being distributed at council and partner offices throughout the Royal Borough. 

Domestic violence is a worldwide problem with 1 in 4 women experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime.  Domestic violence is the largest cause of morbidity worldwide in women aged 19-44, greater than war, cancer or motor vehicle accidents, and in the UK alone, 2 women every week are killed by current or former partners. 

Locally, over the last 12 months the Domestic Violence Unit has recorded 1540 incidents of domestic violence across Windsor, Maidenhead and Ascot, reported to Thames Valley Police.

Incidents of domestic violence can range from verbal arguments to physical assaults and at its extreme, murder.  On average a women will be assaulted 35 times before she seeks any help, and will go to 11 different agencies before she receives the right help. 

Sophie Crowe, Berkshire East domestic violence co-ordinator said, “The effects of domestic abuse on a woman’s health are enormous, effecting a woman’s physical, sexual, emotional and mental health.  A woman experiencing abuse and violence from a current or former partner may fear for her life, fear for her children’s lives, experience feelings of self-doubt, self-blame and loss of confidence and self-esteem.  She may become isolated from family and friends, or have frequent absences from work due to physical injuries or increased use of alcohol or drugs.  Women experiencing domestic abuse are 15 times more likely to abuse alcohol and 9 times more likely to use drugs than other women.  They are 3 times more likely to be diagnosed as depressed or psychotic and 5 times more likely to commit suicide.  We would encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence or abuse to seek help and support”

There are a number of agencies in the Royal Borough who provide support for women experiencing domestic violence.  East Berkshire Women’s Aid (EBWA) provides refuge accommodation, outreach work, a 24-hour free phone service, drop in centres and resettlement work.  EBWA can be contacted on 0800 085 2654.

For a full list of both local and national services offering support to any victim of domestic violence, please visit the Royal Borough’s Domestic Violence Forum website www.rbwmdvf.org.uk

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