Local Councillor Simon Werner is supporting the Royal Borough’s Domestic Abuse Forum by encouraging those living and working in the borough to wear a white ribbon on Sunday 25 November as a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. The day is also known as the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Forum members will be selling white ribbons to their own colleagues as well as there being a box of ribbons on the main reception desk at Maidenhead Town Hall, St Ives Road.
All proceeds from the sale of white ribbons (suggested donation £1) will go directly to Berkshire East & South Bucks Women’s Aid (BESBWA) and Kinara Domestic Abuse Services. Both organisations work across the borough offering advocacy and outreach services as well as refuge accommodation for both male and female victims of domestic abuse.
In 2011/12, 1,655 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to Thames Valley Police across the borough.
Simon Werner said: “Domestic abuse is a crime and is unacceptable. Victims should not feel they are alone – there is support and help available locally. Many victims are too scared to come forward and seek help, for a variety of reasons. It is vital that these victims get support and if they do not feel ready to approach the police.”
To report domestic abuse to Thames Valley Police. Call 999 in an emergency or 101 in a non-emergency. To speak to someone in confidence, call Berkshire East & South Bucks Women’s Aid on 01753 549865 or Kinara Domestic Abuse Services on 01753 592988.
For more information about domestic abuse, and a full list of national and local support agencies, please visit www.rbwmdvf.org.uk
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone in any relationship, regardless of social group, class, age, race, disability, sexuality or gender. It can occur at any time – in a new relationship or after many years, while still in a relationship, during separation or even after separation.