Council unites against domestic violence

On Wednesday (25 November), the world marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day, and the start of the 16 Days of Action.

Sadly, this year the physical events that are usually held cannot go ahead. Instead, the council will join with other organisations in campaigning online to raise awareness. And Bottle Alley will be lit orange on Wednesday to show commitment to helping women who face this abuse across the world.

Council leader Kim Forward, said,

"Across Hastings in 2019/20 we saw 1,680 recorded crimes and 1,218 recorded incidents of domestic abuse. Many incidents of abuse do not become criminal convictions for many reasons, including victims not wanting to take further action. We also understand that lots of cases of domestic abuse still go unreported, because it is not easy to leave an abusive relationship, especially if the perpetrator has control over aspects of a victim's life.

"It is important that we continue to work together as a community to combat abuse. If you hear or see someone being abused, please call the police on 999, the more we stand together and say this treatment is wrong, the more lives that we can positively change.

"This year because of COVID-19 lots of victims may also feel more isolated. If you have a friend or relative that is in a violent relationship, please check in on them, be there to listen to them when they need you. You could also arrange a code word or emoji that lets them easily tell you if they need help. Remember the current COVID restrictions do not apply if someone needs to leave their home because of abuse.

"There's also lots of support available to both victims and professionals who need to gain help for a client. This information can be found on our website at https://www.hastings.gov.uk/housing/vulnerable/domesticviolence/. Through our joint campaign we hope to reach as many victims as possible, so, we can show them that there is a future after abuse for them."