MORE than 1,600 cases of domestic abuse have been reported to Warrington Police last year – and now the borough council is backing a campaign highlighting the extent of the problem.
Warrington council is supporting the White Ribbon Campaign which is part of an international effort, primarily aimed at men and boys, encouraging them to pledge that they will never commit, condone or remain silent about abuse of women.
Two women a week in the UK are killed because of domestic abuse and one in four women will experience physical abuse during their lifetimes. Men are also affected.
Warrington Safeguarding Adults and Children’s Board Chairs, Richard Strachan and Shirley Williamson, will launch the local campaign at their joint development day this Friday (November 25).
The White Ribbon Campaign to target domestic abuse within the borough runs until 10 December 2016.
During this period, residents can pledge their support by wearing a white ribbon, which are available from New Town House, Buttermarket Street; Warrington Contact Centre, Horsemarket Street and from the Town Hall Reception.
Cllr Pat Wright, executive board member for statutory health and social care said: “I’m pleased that so many people are getting behind this very important campaign.
“For the next two weeks council staff will raise public awareness of domestic abuse and continue to help people who are affected by domestic abuse to access specialist services.”
Steve Reddy, executive director of Families and Wellbeing and chairman of the Domestic Abuse Partnership, said: “Not only are women and men experiencing unacceptable behaviour from partners, ex-partners and family members, but their children are suffering harmful effects.
“We are absolutely committed to tackling this in Warrington and are once again asking men, women and young people to wearing a white ribbon to show that they believe domestic abuse is wrong and will not be tolerated.”
Warrington Refuge independent domestic abuse service provides confidential advice and support for hundreds of women, men and young people every year.
If you have been affected by this crime please call 01925 243359 or you can access information from their website www.refuge.org.uk/warrington
