Domestic Violence Awareness Week

Staff join forces to raise awareness of domestic violence

STAFF from agencies across Wiltshire and Swindon marked Domestic Violence Awareness Week (Nov 24-28) with a series of events.

The campaign aims to encourage people to come forward for support and advice, as well as promote what services are available for those affected.  

The campaign was supported by representatives from the Wiltshire Criminal Justice Board (WCJB), the Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership and the Swindon Community Safety Partnership, as well as service providers from the voluntary sector, which together are committed to tackling domestic violence.  

John Thomson, Wiltshire County Council’s member for community safety, opened the week in the reception area of County Hall, Trowbridge, with members from Wiltshire’s Domestic Violence Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) Working Group.

Mr Thomson hosted a lunch to celebrate the recent success of the LPSA Working Group, which won the Partnership of the Year category at the national Justice Awards in London on October 21.

The group works to reduce domestic violence and the impact of domestic violence. 

Some of the events held locally to support the week supported International White Ribbon Day, on Tuesday November 25.

The South Wiltshire Domestic Violence Forum held an awareness raising stand in in the Guildhall, Salisbury, and were available to offer confidential advice for members of the public.

White ribbons and information were also available all week at County Hall, Trowbridge, from the Domestic Violence Awareness stand, while in Swindon, white ribbons were available from the man reception desks at the town's two civic offices.

Also in Swindon, white and purple balloons were released from outside the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, by staff from several agencies.

Women involved also handed out white ribbons to passers by and tied them around trees to remember those killed by domestic abuse and to ensure people do not forget about the thousands of women that may be suffering.

On Wednesday, the Swindon and Wiltshire fifth annual Domestic Abuse conference took place at the STEAM Museum, Swindon.

The conference was for domestic violence practitioners who gathered to hear specialist keynote speakers share their knowledge and expertise.

Speakers included Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Brian Moore, Steve Connor, from the National Centre for Domestic Violence and male victim Neil Fellowes.

Issues discussed included multi-agency support services for victims of violence and abuse, elder abuse, domestic abuse within the local Polish community and the impact of forced marriage and 'honour' based crime for Asian men and women.

The week's activities ended on Friday with a short walk for staff starting at Polebarn Road, Trowbridge, and ending at St James’ Parish Church Hall.

The walkers wore white ribbons and carried white balloons.

The walk was followed by refreshments and a presentation ceremony for Wiltshire’s Domestic Violence Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) Working Group.

The ceremony was led by Chief Superintendent Julian Kirby, from Witshire Police, who presented certificates to group members.

There was also a celebratory cake to honour the group's achievements.

Advice and support

The Wiltshire branch of Victim Support has information leaflets for people seeking advice about domestic violence.

Independent, free and confidential advice is also available from the charity between 8am and 8pm, Monday-Friday, on 01380 738888.

Alternatively, for help and advice on DV issues contact the National 24hr DV helpline 0808 200 0247 or the Men’s Advice Line and Enquiries (MALE) 0808 801 0327, or log on to www.speakoutwiltshire.com.

In an emergency always call 999.

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