As Wolverhampton goes Orange, Wolverhampton Labour Group is backing an international 16-day campaign to end violence against women and girls.
Individuals, groups and organisations have been encouraged to Go Orange and raise awareness of the problem of violence against others, as well as highlighting the help and support that is available to victims locally.
Councillor Roger Lawrence, Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “The council and its partners are committed to ending violence in all its forms, and the Labour Group is pleased to be backing this United Nations campaign to stop violence against women and girls.
“The breadth of support from across the city for the campaign is very impressive, with charities, businesses and education providers large and small joining individuals in helping to turn Wolverhampton Orange and putting safeguarding issues in the spotlight.”
The local campaign has been organised by the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Boards and Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum and supported by the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership. It began on 25 November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – and continues until next Friday 10 December, UN Human Rights Day.
Alan Coe, Independent Chair of Wolverhampton Safeguarding Boards, said: “It is fantastic to see the huge level of support the Orange Wolverhampton campaign is receiving. It’s not too late to get involved, and I would urge everyone to play their part.
“While the international campaign acknowledges that the majority of victims and survivors of violence are female, we recognise that there are both female and male victims of violence, and so our campaign is focused on ending violence against everyone, whatever their age or gender.”
Anyone worried about or suffering from any domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, honour-based violence or sexual violence should call the relevant helpline:
• Wolverhampton Adults Social Care team on 01902 551199
• Wolverhampton Children’s Social Care on 01902 555392
• The Haven Wolverhampton 24 hour Helpline for women and men on 08000 194400
• National Domestic Violence helpline for women on 0808 2000 247
• National Domestic Violence helpline for men on 0808 8010327
• NSPCC FGM Helpline on 0800 028 3550
• Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of honour violence and forced marriage 0800 5999 247.
In an emergency, always call police on 999.
To find out more about the Orange Wolverhampton campaign, please visit www.wolverhamptonsafeguarding.org.uk, which also provides a wealth of information and advice about safeguarding issues.