Ending violence against Slough women
Slough Borough Council and the Slough Domestic Violence Forum have come together to help end domestic violence during the 16 days of national action to end violence against women.
The council’s forum, part of Slough Healthy Activities Programme (SHAPE) has been selling white ribbons to raise funds for East Berkshire Women’s Aid and Kinara Asian Women’s Service.
The white ribbon is a symbol that one will not commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
East Berkshire Women’s Aid provides refuge for woman and their families, drop-in services and outreach support for victims of domestic violence.
Kinara Asian Women’s Service provides refuge accommodation in a culturally sensitive atmosphere to Asian women who are victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Nationally, one in four women, and one in six men, will suffer domestic violence in their lifetimes. Domestic violence accounts for 16 to 25 per cent of all violent crime.
The Domestic Violence Forum are also using the campaign to re-launch a card of useful numbers for anyone suffering domestic violence and abuse, looking for who to turn to for support. This card will be available in December and distributed to a number of public locations, including GP surgeries, across Slough.
Sophie Crowe, domestic violence co-ordinator for Berkshire East, said: “It is important to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse in Slough so that victims know what local agencies there are to support them and how local agencies will respond to reports of domestic violence. The card of useful numbers is a discreet way of signposting people to relevant support.”
Commissioner for Slough public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “Domestic violence is a crime - it is unacceptable and should not be tolerated regardless of age, disability, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or religion.
“It is extremely important that we make a stand against it and make sure that those who suffer at the hands of others have the support and advice they need to lead a non violent life.”
To report domestic violence to Thames Valley Police, please call 999 in an emergency or 0845 8 505505 in a non emergency.
To speak with someone in confidence call: East Berkshire Women’s Aid on 01753 549865, SAWIN (Slough Asian Women’s Information Network) 0800 923 2852, Kinara Asian Women’s Service (refuge) 01753 573330.
Men suffering domestic violence and abuse may wish to speak to Victim Support in confidence on 01344 411411.
Men, if you are worried about your abusive behaviour, you can choose to stop. Call the Changing Ways East Berkshire and Wokingham Perpetrator Programme on 07818 054563.
Anyone working in Slough who is interested in attending training around domestic violence and abuse, or wanting more information on local initiatives, please contact Sophie Crowe, Domestic Violence Co-ordinator for Berkshire East on 01628 645687.
Slough Borough Council