Nationally 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be victims of domestic violence in their lifetime. 1 incident of domestic abuse is reported to the police every 2 minutes and In the UK, on average, 2 women are killed every week as a result of domestic violence. Across East Sussex 8,082 domestic violence and abuse incidents and crimes were reported to the police during 2015/16.
Hastings Borough Council was awarded ‘White Ribbon Status’ in 2014 confirming that the council is committed to supporting the aims of the White Ribbon Campaign: never to commit, condone, or remain silent about domestic violence.
To raise awareness of the White Ribbon Campaign locally, the council will be holding activities on Friday 25 November in Hastings town centre and Priory Meadow shopping centre between 9am and 5pm. Activities will also take place at The Bridge Community Centre, Broomgrove, Central St Leonards and at the Conquest Hospital giving the public the opportunity to sign a pledge against domestic abuse and violence and to obtain leaflets and further information to gain help and support.
The council’s leader, Cllr Peter Chowney explained:
“It’s very important to us as a council to make every effort to raise awareness and support the White Ribbon campaign.
“Domestic violence is an issue for the whole community not just the victim or perpetrator; the shocking statistics reported locally demonstrate this. We are asking everyone to stay vigilant and report incidents of domestic violence to the police if they believe someone is in trouble.
“On Friday 25 November together with the Mayor and Sussex Police, I will be publicly showing my support by signing the pledge against domestic abuse and violence. Please join us at 12 noon and show yours. Last year 3000 people signed the White Ribbon pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about domestic violence and once again we want to gather as many signatures as possible this year”.
If you are unable to attend this event pledges can be made at http://www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/makepledge
