Buckinghamshire Council Supports White Ribbon Day
White Ribbon Day will be marked on Wednesday 25 November 2020, to raise people’s awareness of domestic abuse and help reassure victims that help is available. By wearing a white ribbon you will be making a pledge to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. Buckinghamshire Council will be raising awareness of domestic abuse over a week of campaigning aimed at all victims of domestic abuse across the county.
The council’s Community Safety team works in close collaboration with the council’s commissioned support services and Thames Valley Police in an effort to prevent domestic abuse which will affect one in four women and one in six men in their lifetime. It’s estimated that 1.9m people in the UK suffer some form of domestic abuse and it can happen to anyone; regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age or financial background.
Domestic abuse is defined as any incident, or pattern of incidents, of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse.
Throughout the pandemic our local outreach services have been working tirelessly to support those suffering from domestic abuse. The challenges Covid19 has presented are: victims being trapped living with the perpetrator, the fear and depression of feeling isolated and how the abuser is using the situation to segregate them further.
Councillor Gareth Williams, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities & Public Health, said:
“Buckinghamshire Council is proud to support White Ribbon Day. Abuse, no matter what form it takes, is unacceptable and it’s vital that we raise awareness of all the help and support that’s available for all victims.
“With new national restrictions in place it’s now really important for everyone to know they can still get help, and leave their homes to access the support which continues to be available despite these challenging times.
“Domestic violence and abuse is something that can affect anyone in Buckinghamshire, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age or financial background and tackling it is one of our top priorities and part of our Safer Buckinghamshire Plan 2020-2023. We are committed to working as part of a wider partnership effort to ensure we provide the right advice and support and hopefully encourage more people to come forward and report it.”
A spokesperson for Aylesbury Women’s Aid and Wycombe Women’s Aid said:
“Aylesbury and Wycombe Women’s Aid provide free information, emotional support, and access to safe temporary accommodation to enable women and children to determine their own futures free from abuse and violence.
“We are delighted by the continuing support of Buckinghamshire Council in addressing an issue which can affect one in four women in their lifetime.”
How and where to get help and support:
• Anyone in immediate danger should phone 999. Or if in danger and unable to talk on the phone, dial 999 from your mobile and then press 55. This will transfer the call to police, who will assist without the caller having to speak.
• Call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
• Anybody worried about causing harm to the ones they love can get help by contacting Respect Phoneline – 0808 802 4040 or visit respectphoneline.org.uk
Young people affected by domestic abuse can get support through:
• Childline – 0800 1111 – www.childline.org.uk or
• SAFE – 0800 133 7938 – www.safeproject.org.uk
Local domestic abuse organisations:
o Wycombe Women’s Aid – 01494 461367 – www.wycombewomensaid.org.uk
o Aylesbury Women’s Aid – 01296 437777 – www.aylesburywomensaid.org.uk
o Reducing the Risk – www.reducingtherisk.org.uk
o Give us a Shout – www.giveusashout.org
o Aylesbury Vale & Milton Keynes Sexual Assault and Abuse Support – 01296 719772 – www.avmksaass.org.uk
o Victims First – 0300 1234 148 – www.victims-first.org.uk
o Wycombe Women’s Aid – 01494 461367 – www.wycombewomensaid.org.uk
o Aylesbury Women’s Aid: 01296 437777 – www.aylesburywomensaid.org.uk
o AVMKSAASS (for male victims): 01296 719772 www.avmksaass.org.uk/
For more information about Domestic Abuse and the support available please visit www.reducingtherisk.org.uk