RESIDENTS are being urged to speak out against domestic abuse once again, as part of a worldwide campaign.
The call comes from North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership (NWCSP) which is making a commitment, on behalf of the communities and organisations they serve, to never accept domestic abuse in any form and irrespective of gender.
Drawing inspiration from the international White Ribbon Campaign and its ‘16 Days Of Action’, NWCSP campaigns to increase awareness of domestic abuse and encourage and support all people affected by it to seek the support that’s available, regardless of gender.
NWCSP will be working closely with young people around healthy relationships and will be supplying resources, including white ribbons and healthy relationship cards, to local schools and through the Police Youth Engagement Team.
The team also plan to work with Redditch Pub Watch to promote the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign in licenced venues by supplying posters and beer mats with healthy relationship cards and helpline numbers.
The Ask for Angela Campaign allows people who feel unsafe, vulnerable, or threatened to discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for ‘Angela’.
This code-phrase will indicate to staff that they require help with their situation and a trained member of staff will then look to support and assist them.
International White Ribbon Day is held each year on November 25 and this year the national campaign is #AllMenCan.
The campaign was developed in March when the murder of Sarah Everard brought women’s experience of male violence to the forefront.
It also opened up many conversations about men taking action and making a stand which is what campaigners hope to encourage.
Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, Sue Hanley, said: “We want all victims to know that they are not on their own and there is help available.
“We want to make it easier for people to recognise domestic abuse and get the support that could help them and their loved ones.”
For a 24hr domestic abuse helpline call 0800 980 3331 (For women), 0800 014 9082 (For men) or visit NHS Live Well website for more support information.
