TOGETHER we can put an end to the misery caused by domestic abuse.
That’s the message from a special event taking place in Middlesbrough on Friday (November 24).
Recovery Connections and Middlesbrough Council are hosting the Preventing Domestic Abuse and White Ribbon event in Bar Zero on Linthorpe Road.
The event will showcase the work of services working across Middlesbrough and tell stories of abuse against both women and men, the LGBT community and the elderly all who are under-represented in the reporting of abuse.
Attendees will include a range of specialist agencies who support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, work with perpetrators to change behaviour and deliver therapeutic interventions and deliver prevention programmes to children and young people.
This event will also mark the launch of the Middlesbrough Council Domestic Abuse Workplace Policy and the recruitment of preventing domestic abuse champions in Middlesbrough Council.
Preventing Domestic Abuse will also highlight the start of 16 days of activism around the world to end violence against women and girls from Saturday, November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women until Human Rights Day on Sunday, December 10.
Claire Moore, Middlesbrough Council’s Domestic Abuse Operational Coordinator, says: “We know that some people are not as confident in reporting abuse or some victims possibly do not even understand that what they are experiencing is domestic abuse.
“There are a range of services in Middlesbrough who are commissioned to support victims irrespective of their age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity.
“The purpose of this event is to ensure that members of public and colleagues understand the range of services that are available and what we are doing in Middlesbrough to help people understand more about domestic abuse and what we can do to prevent it.”
Councillor Mick Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Communities, said: “Domestic abuse is a blight on any community and one which we are committed to ending.
“It’s an issue that can affect anyone and is therefore everyone’s business, and each and every one of us has a role to play in ensuring it cannot persist.
“I’d encourage as many people as possible to attend Friday’s event to find out more and show their support for this important cause by signing the White Ribbon Pledge.”
- The Preventing Domestic Abuse and White Ribbon showcase event takes place in Bar Zero on Linthorpe Road on Friday, November 24 from 1pm to 3pm.