Council launches campaign against domestic violence with 16 days of action

​A national campaign to end domestic violence is being backed by Wakefield Council, and other partner organisations, from across the district. Wakefield has been accredited as a ‘White Ribbon’ district which recognises the great work the Council and partners have done in preventing violence against women and supporting those who are victims.

One in four women and one in six men experience abuse at home at some stage of their lives.

To highlight and challenge this, a campaign called 16 days of action is being launched in the Wakefield district this Saturday (25 November). Saturday also marks the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The campaign will be raising awareness at Parkrun on Saturday 25 November, 9am at Thornes Park. Some participants will be wearing t-shirts to show their support to ending domestic abuse in the district and information will be available on support which is available within the district.

On Monday 27 November, an 8-hour cycla-thon is taking place at Wakefield One where male participants will be taking part to show support in breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. Players from Wakefield Trinity and representatives from Castleford Tigers are taking part to show their support, as is Cllr Richard Forster and Antony Sadler, the Council’s White Ribbon Ambassadors. Visitors can see the cycla-thon taking place in the Wakefield One foyer from 9am to 5pm, where there will be information available about the Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service and the White Ribbon Campaign.

​Cllr Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Communities, said: “Unfortunately domestic abuse is a big issue in our district, more so than many people may realise. We want to make everyone aware that this kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. These 16 days of action are about bringing our partners together to work closely to help raise awareness of the issue and show people where they can go for help and support.

“We want victims to report incidents and be aware that support is available to them. But we also want to encourage perpetrators to also seek our help and support to change their behaviour.”

Other events and activities are taking place across the district to highlight domestic abuse to residents, voluntary groups and other professionals. Organisations taking part include West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Wakefield and District Housing, West Yorkshire CRC, Public Health, Youth Services and other voluntary and community organisations.

The 16 days of action starts on Saturday 25 November which is International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women. The campaign ends on Sunday 10 December which is Human Rights Day.

The Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service offers support for all forms of domestic abuse, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, so-called honour based abuse and forced marriage.

To contact the Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service call 0800 915 1561 or visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/domesticabuse