Winchester will support a campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse with an event in the city centre on Wednesday 25 November (10am-3pm).
The ‘White Ribbon Campaign’ is a national and international effort to highlight the impact domestic abuse has on individuals and families.
Members of Winchester Community Safety Partnership, Domestic Abuse and Violence Forum and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will invite people to support the campaign by wearing a white ribbon.
They will also use sunflowers to highlight the local theme of remembrance for those women who have lost their lives to domestic abuse – nationally two women a week lose their lives to domestic abuse.
A second display will be based at Worthy Down with support from the Army Welfare team also raising awareness of the campaign and signposting to support services.
Cllr Frank Pearson, Winchester City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, Health and Wellbeing, said: “This event is of great importance, not only highlighting the national campaign and all the great work it does, but also raising awareness at a local level. This event provides local organisations with an opportunity to promote their services and also highlights to the public that there are services available to those who are affected by domestic abuse.”
Cllr Angela Clear, Mayor of Winchester, said: “I am very pleased to be supporting the White Ribbon Day campaign in Winchester. Domestic abuse affects 45% of women in the UK. Holding this event locally will also help raise the profile of the local services in place and also shows the commitment that partner agencies have made to reduce the incidence of domestic abuse.”
Ann Craig, Chair of Winchester Domestic Violence and Abuse Forum, said: “We will also highlight the number of children often present when abuse takes place and the work the Forum does with local schools to try to promote safer relationships for young people.”
In addition social media messages will be sent out in the run-up to the event.