Organisations and volunteers across Bolton will come together to make a stand against domestic violence.
A series of events have started to be delivered across Bolton to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence which started on November 25 and runs until December 10. This is an international campaign to raise awareness around violence against women and call for change.
Participants include Bolton Council, Bolton at Home, the Endeavour Project and Fortalice along with several community and voluntary groups.
An estimated 1.2 million women aged 16 to 59 suffered domestic abuse last year according to the most recent crime survey for England and Wales.
National research highlights that two women per week are killed by their current or ex-partner.
Awareness and support activities in Bolton will include screen printing community workshops, craft sessions, performances and screenings.
The yellow sofa, hosted by partners across Bolton, will visit communities and hold discussions on the issues surrounding domestic violence.
Executive Cabinet Member for Community Issues, Cllr Anna-Marie Watters, said: “Domestic violence is a crime that affects all too many women in our society.
“By coming together with our partner organisations, we are hoping to raise awareness of the issues and let people know about the help that is available for those in need.
“The 16 days of action send a clear message that gender violence will not be tolerated.”
Full list of events:
- Tuesday, November 27, 1pm-3pm. Greenway Community Centre, Hall I’th’ Wood: The Wonder Women group is opening its doors to all women in the Bolton area for this session of the regular weekly women’s support group.
- Tuesday, November 27, 9.30am-4.30pm. Market Place Shopping Centre: The Yellow Sofa, hosted by Healthwatch. Facilitators will be chatting to members of the public to engage and canvass opinions about the role of health care providers in supporting people experiencing domestic abuse.
- Wednesday, November 28, 9.30am-4.30pm. Bolton Interchange: The Yellow Sofa, hosted by Healthwatch.
- Wednesday, November 28, 1pm-3pm. Endeavour, 26 Chorley New Road: Weekly women’s group is hosting a crafting afternoon.
- Thursday, November 29, 10am-12noon and 1pm-4pm. Unit 5, Crompton Place: Workshop delivered by ‘Stand Up Sisters’, hosting conversations about the places and situations where women feel vulnerable.
- Friday, November 30, 11am-12noon. Unit 5, Crompton Place: Screening of ‘Nanette’, the funny and moving stand-up act by Hannah Gadsby. Popcorn and refreshments provided.
- Friday, November 30, 1pm-3pm. Bolton Central Library Lecture Theatre: Two short videos presented by Endeavor Project showing ‘One Woman’s Journey Through Our Services’.
- Monday, December 3, 10am-2.30pm. Unit 5, Crompton Place: Screen printing workshop.
- Wednesday, December 5, 1pm-3pm. Endeavour, 26 Chorley New Road: Weekly women’s group is hosting a crafting afternoon for the 16 Days of Activism.
- Friday, December 7, 11am-2pm. Unit 5, Crompton Place: A day of stand-up comedy.
- Saturday, December 8, 2pm. Reclaim the Streets (starting at Bolton Town Hall): Marking the last of the 16 days, marching against gender violence.