Warrington Borough Council and partners are asking individuals to wear a white ribbon to show support for domestic abuse victims.
The annual White Ribbon 16 Days of Action campaign began on Saturday November 25 and runs through until Sunday December 10. The initiative is a worldwide movement that promotes an end to domestic abuse.
In the UK, two women are killed each week because of domestic abuse and 1 in 4 women will experience physical abuse at some point during their lifetimes. Men can also be affected.
Over 2,000 cases of domestic abuse were reported to Cheshire Police last year by residents in Warrington, with around 400 of the incidents associated with substance misuse. Warrington Refuge, an independent domestic abuse service, received over 1,000 referrals from victims and 79 women had to be accommodated with their children at Warrington Women’s Aid refuge.
Cllr Pat Wright, executive board member for statutory health and adult social care, said: “Domestic abuse is everyone’s business and wearing a white ribbon shows the importance of this. Agencies in Warrington are united in their determination to tackle the issue and the campaign is an opportunity to recognise and reflect on the good work done so far to support victims. However, we also need to acknowledge how much more we need to do to ensure that domestic abuse is not something that is quietly endured or ignored.”
To support the campaign, residents are being asked to wear a white ribbon. A donation of £1 for silk ribbons or £2 for pin badges is suggested and proceeds will be used to help people affected by domestic abuse.
White Ribbons are available to purchase from the reception at New Town House, Buttermarket Street and from the Town Hall, Sankey Street.
Cllr Jean Carter, executive board member for children’s services, said: “Not only are women and men experiencing unacceptable behaviour from partners, ex-partners and family members, but their children are suffering harmful effects. At the time children start school, at least one child in every reception class in the UK will have been living with some sort of domestic abuse. We need to do everything we can to support families and prevent children from going through this awful experience.”
Warrington Refuge, an independent domestic abuse service, provides confidential advice and support for hundreds of women, men and young people each year. If you’ve been affected by domestic abuse please call 01925 243 359 or visit refuge.org.uk/warrington for more information.
