Organisations across Bolton have joined forces in a campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence.
A series of events have been organised by Bolton at Home, Fortalice, the Endeavour Project and YES Matters, and supported by Bolton Council.
Together they are taking part in the international campaign ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence’, which runs from November 25 to December 10.
It aims to raise awareness of the issues around violence against women. Whilst the campaign focuses especially on male violence against women, it is recognised that men can also be subjected to many of these issues.
Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Councillor Derek Burrows, said: “Unfortunately domestic abuse is an issue – more than people realise.
“One in four women and one in six men experience abuse at home at some stage in their lives.
“We want to make everyone aware that this kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“These 16 days of action bring our partners together and we hope that these events will raise more awareness of the help and support that is out there.”
Victims of abuse will also be sharing their personal stories as part of the campaign to raise awareness.
From November 25, Bolton at Home will be producing daily podcasts featuring interviews with local residents. These will be available on www.boltonathome.org.uk.
Bolton at Home’s Executive Director Customer and Place and Community, Noel Sharpe, added: “Bolton at Home endorses a zero tolerance policy against any type of violence.
“By raising the profile of the issues surrounding gender violence and encouraging people to share their experiences we want everyone to know that there is help.”
On December 1, 1pm to 3pm, the Endeavour Project will be hosting a free drama production ‘Lady in Red’ at the University of Bolton. It is one woman’s attempt to leave an abusive relationship. To reserve a place contact 01204 394842.
Director of the Endeavour Project, Carole Marsden, said: “We are always looking at new and creative ways of getting the message across and raising awareness about domestic abuse.
“This play highlights the plight of someone trapped in an abusing relationship and the struggles she faces in trying to leave. We know there will be so many women out there in similar situations and we need to recognise that.
“They may be someone in the audience going through something similar, it will resonate with them and we hope it will also offer some direction in terms of support available and ways out of their predicament.
“We would very much like attendance from the general public, that’s who the play is directed at, to raise their awareness.”
Fortalice, a specialist organisation working to combat domestic abuse and violence, has organised an open day and information stands.
Chief Executive of Fortalice, Gill Smallwood, said: “The 16 days of Activism provides huge opportunities for us to share the work that we do and we hope, enables individuals going through the trauma, an opportunity to come forward.
“By reaching out to the community, we hope the community reaches out to us. We have a vast range of support provision available for individuals to access and tap into. Our services are confidential and tailored to meet individual need.”
Visit www.endthefear.co.uk to find out more about local services.
Full list of events
- On November 27, 10am to noon, Fortalice has organised an Open Day at their support centre at 43 Bradford Street.
- On November 28, the Endeavour Project (formerly known as Paws for Kids), on 26 Chorley New Road, is inviting women to come along to find out more about volunteering as a peer supporter for other women referred to the service.
- •On December 1, 1pm to 3pm, Endeavour will also be hosting a drama production at the University of Bolton. The ‘Lady in Red’ looks at one woman’s attempt to leave an abusive relationship and the barriers she faces. The performance will be followed by an after-show discussion with the writer and actors. The event is free and open to all. For more information and to book a place, contact Endeavour on 01204 394842.
- On December 1, 10.30am to 3pm, Fortalice stand for students and staff at the University of Bolton.
- On December 5, 10am to 3pm, Fortalice stand in the Market Place Shopping Centre.
- On December 8, 4pm to 6.30pm, local action group YES Matters, has organised an event in Bolton Town Hall around Sexual Violence Against Women and to encourage women to speak out.
- Bolton at Home’s Domestic Abuse and Violence team, led by Gemma Parlby, will also be raising awareness during the 16 days with sessions for staff, to share the services available and the approach they take when dealing with cases of domestic abuse and violence.