International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: 25th November 2017

In 1999, The United Nations officially recognised the 25^th November as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Each year, this date marks 16 days of activism against gender based violence, ending on Human Rights Day on the 10^th December.

The White Ribbon Campaign runs during this time. Men and boys are encouraged to wear a white ribbon to demonstrate their opposition to men’s violence against women. Wearing a white ribbon is seen as a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk

If you have experienced abuse within a relationship or know someone who has, there are local services which can offer women support.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or 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

In our view domestic abuse is physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and that forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour regardless of gender or sexuality.

This can include forced marriage and so-called ‘honour crimes’. Domestic abusemay include a range of abusive behaviours, not all of which are in themselves inherently ‘violent’.

Who can help?

Asking for support and advice is often a very difficult thing to do if you are feeling isolated or low in yourself. You may not even feel that you deserve to have support.

It is important to know that there are services out there that can provide advice at the right level for you, your children, family and friends.

Often the first step to breaking the cycle of abuse is sharing your problem with another person whether that is through the helpline, outreach worker or a support group.

Aylesbury Women’s Aidis a charity that was set up in 1986 by a small group of women who were concerned that there was no provision forwomen being abused by their partnersin the Aylesbury Vale area. Since that time, they have grown as an organisation and provide a range of support to women who are experiencing abuse.

Advice and Support Lines

In an emergency always call 999