Barking and Dagenham Council is joining a global campaign with 16 days of activism
A ‘White Ribbon’ flag-raising ceremony was held yesterday, on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, in Barking Town Square marking the start of the events.
Activities taking place over the next couple of weeks include workshops, training and learning activities for young people at the Future Youth Zone.
Opportunities for training around trauma and supporting women who experience multiple disadvantages will also be available.
In the borough, the ‘White Ribbon’ campaign primarily aims to raise awareness on gender-based violence and strengthen work around violence against women in Barking and Dagenham.
It also establishes clear links between local and international efforts to end violence against women.
Two women in England and Wales are killed every week by a current or former partner, and one in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime.
The council launched a domestic abuse commission in September which focuses on attitudes in the community towards intimate partner violence, and the perceived normalisation and tolerance of domestic abuse.
Chaired by Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter and former CEO of Women’s Aid, a panel of 12 national experts will aim over a year to publish a report with recommendations that can help to create long-term attitudinal changes.
Elaine Allegretti, Director of People and Resilience, said: “In Barking and Dagenham, domestic abuse is a serious and enduring issue for too many residents, and has been for far too long. We have a wide range of work in place to tackle the issue, but there is still more that needs to be done.
“Our domestic abuse commission is the first of its kind in the country. We need to understand how our community thinks about intimate partner violence, and how we can get help faster to those that need it.”
The council also launched DV FLAG East in May. This project, run by Citizens Advice Bureau, sees local accredited and experienced family solicitor firms volunteer their time to provide free independent confidential advice to those who experience domestic abuse.
Additionally, the council works with Refuge who run Barking and Dagenham’s domestic and sexual violence service.
Sandra Horley, CBE, Chief Executive of Refuge, says: “Refuge stands proudly with the UN’s 16 Days of Activism by challenging violence against women and girls and championing gender equality.
“As the country’s largest provider of services for survivors of domestic abuse, we know that it is the biggest issue facing women and girls today.
“We’re working with Barking and Dagenham Council to build a safe and equal future for women and girls in the borough and ensure that survivors of domestic abuse know about the support services available in the local community.”
A full list of events over the 16 days can be found on https://www.lbbd.gov.uk/domestic-abuse-and-sexual-violence
For more information on Refuge visit www.refuge.org.uk or call the freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Tags: Dagenham, Barking, Barking and Dagenham
