A future beyond abuse | News

We’re joining our Bolton Family partners and thousands of organisations across the world to take part in the United Nations led 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, to give more people a better life.

The annual campaign runs from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, through to Human Rights Day on 10 December. It highlights the need for more education, support and action to stop domestic abuse against women and girls.

There’ll be a series of memorial, inspirational and development events over the 16 days for both the public and professionals. Several in-person and online activities will be hosted by us and colleagues from local charities and domestic abuse support services. We hope these community events and training sessions will help more people to spot and report the signs of abuse, as well as inspiring survivors to know they deserve better and can follow others who are now thriving.

Here are some dates for you diary and details of how to get involved:

• Saturday 27 November, 6pm-7pm: a candlelit vigil, which you can support in-person at our Valley House office or via social media. You’re invited to place a tealight in support of women experiencing domestic abuse and in memory of those who’ve lost their lives.

• Monday 6 December, 10am-2pm: an in-person event, women only, including a community arts performance and personal safety workshop. More information and booking details at: bit.ly/3qZfJnh

• Tuesday 7 December, 11am-12noon: a We Are Women webinar featuring one of the world’s most prominent campaigners against female genital mutilation (FGM) and a proud Mancunian championing change through listening to women’s lived experience. Book while places are available, by email to claire.southern@boltonathome.org.uk.

We’ll provide updates through our Facebook and Twitter accounts.

 

Gender based violence has been in the news more this year, following the murder of Sarah Everard in London. And the pandemic has resulted in more time spent indoors, which can be dangerous for people who are at risk of domestic abuse.

A new report from UN Women, based on data from 13 countries since the pandemic, shows that two in three women reported that they or a woman they know experienced some form of violence and are more likely to face food insecurity. But only one in ten women said that they or the victim would raise it with the police.

Please don’t suffer in silence. There’s a range of support available if you need it.

In Bolton, a number of services exist to help you if you’re experiencing domestic abuse and you can come to us with confidence. We’ve received a housing industry accreditation and been commended for the way we support domestic abuse victims and survivors. More details on that here: bit.ly/3l1nuVT

You can get more information and find a list of domestic abuse support organisations, and different ways to reach us, here: www.boltonathome.org.uk/domestic-abuse

In an emergency, please phone 999.