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Inspire Hope – Be A Voice Campaign Aims to Shatter Silence Surrounding Domestic Abuse
Every minute in the UK, an incident of domestic violence is reported to the police and, one in four women and one in six men are said to experience domestic violence. Shocking statistics and yet Domestic Violence UK says the full extent of the problem remains hidden as much abuse still goes unreported. That is why they have launched their ‘Inspire Hope – Be A Voice’ campaign which is running throughout May. They are working to shatter the silence surrounding domestic abuse.
Domestic Violence UK is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support and information to victims of domestic abuse through a website, online forum, advice telephone line and a magazine. Ayo Olaniyan, a spokesperson for Domestic Violence UK explained:
“We know that by the end of this week, two women will have been murdered by a current or ex-partner but because so much violence takes place on a psychological level, there is no way of knowing how many people currently live in fear in the UK today. Our ‘Inspire Hope – Be A Voice’ campaign aims to support and encourage individuals to talk about domestic violence.
“We recognise that domestic violence comes in many forms; not just the physical, but also emotional, psychological and sexual; and that it can be suffered by any member of society. The main objective of our website at www.domesticviolenceuk.org is to provide victims of domestic violence with practical advice on how to find courage to deal with their situation, and move on from emotionally abusive relationships.”
An important and innovative aspect of the organisation’
“The magazine is free to download. It’s important we get our message of hope, support and encouragement through every available medium. The website means we can offer support across the UK, from our base in North West London.
“Clear information, anonymous counselling and a support network can be invaluable for people living with domestic abuse, both emotional and physical. Our aim is to help them to find the strength they need to finally end the cycle of abuse.”
As well as the website, magazine and running awareness-raising campaigns, Domestic Violence UK also offers basic counselling support by telephone and email. Email and telephone support are currently offered from 6.30pm until 8pm on Friday evenings although they hope to extend this availability. They currently rely on donations for funding but are also open to accepting paid advertising from companies that share their ethos. Ayo concluded:
“To show support for our campaign, we’d encourage everyone to visit the website, download the magazine and share its details with their network. Since domestic violence affects everyone regardless of age, gender, race or sexuality, it’s likely that someone you know is in an abusive relationship. Passing on our details will enable them to seek professional, confidential and anonymous support. You can inspire hope and be the voice that shatters the silence around domestic violence.”
ENDS
For more information visit http://www.domesticviolenceuk.org or phone: 0845 299 6303. General Inquiries: info@domesticviolenceuk.org
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. General Helpline Advice: support@domesticviolenceuk.org
2. General Advice Helpline : 0800 689 9710 (Fridays 6.30pm until 8pm).
3. The organisation is also seeking volunteers to fundraise.
4. Social workers, life coaches and other related social care professionals who would like to offer articles for the magazine can email Mutual Support Magazine: msm@domesticviolenceuk.org
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
