Anyone can suffer from domestic abuse.
That’s the key message being voiced by organisations across Norfolk in a week long campaign taking place next week.
The ‘Norfolk Says No’ campaign, which is organised by a host of agencies, aims to raise the awareness of domestic abuse and highlight that anyone, no matter their age, gender, race or religion can be a victim.
“This is a really important campaign as we want to reach out to anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse” said Lucy McLeod, The Chair of the County Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Board.
“This crime cuts across all social, cultural and religious boundaries and has devastating and far reaching consequences for victims, their families and the wider community.
Lucy continued: “We want to reassure victims that help is available, encourage them to come forward to report and warn possible perpetrators that we are equipped and we will bring them to justice”.
The campaign will be launched at City Hall in Norwich on Monday 24 November, where key stakeholders will sign a pledge to mark their commitment to support and protect victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. A marketplace of support services, including Victim Support, Housing providers, mental health services are amongst a few, who will also be available at the launch offering advice.
Following the launch there will be a week-long programme of community events including:
- A quiz to raise funds for refuges in Norfolk
- A donations point will be set up in Sainsbury’s Longwater throughout the week to collect items to support families who seek refuge in Norfolk
- A fire walk will take place in Great Yarmouth raising funds for Leeway to continue their support for victims of domestic abuse
- Handprint murals, ‘These hands are not for hurting’ will be created with school children in Norwich
- Clean graffiti stencils will be used on pavements across Norfolk highlighting facts and figures about domestic abuse
- White ribbons will be sold in a number of outlets to raise funds and increase awareness
Ian Sturgess Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Co-ordinator in the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner said: “To make a lasting impact and drive domestic abuse out, we have to recognise that as a society we each have a part to play. This must include men making it clear that we to see no place for abuse or exploitation in any healthy relationship.”
The campaign is jam packed with community events and everyone is encouraged to get involved. You can also show your support by signing the pledge, available at all of the events throughout the week, which states ‘I will neither commit, condone or stay silent about domestic abuse’ helping to make the county a safer place and free from domestic abuse.
To find out more information about the events planned during the week, 24-28 November, visit the Norfolk Says No website.
