Have your say to end violence against women
A Warwickshire County Council Service is supporting a government campaign to end violence against women and girls by launching a public survey this week.
Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse is raising awareness of the Home Office campaign by seeking the views of local people about this issue to get everyone working together to prevent it. The short questionnaire can be accessed online at http://www.talk2someone.org.uk between 20 April and 15 May.
Violence against women and girls includes domestic violence, sexual violence, abuse, harassment and stalking but can also include other types of abuse such as being forced to marry someone against your will or being attacked or killed by members of your family for something you may have done (so-called ‘honour’ violence). In order to get a true picture of perception of this in Warwickshire, responses are invited from everyone in the community – male, female, young and old.
The six questions in the survey get respondents to think about why violence may take place, where the responsibility lies for ending it, how we can be better educated and how safe people feel at home and in public environments. Responses will be used to help shape a national strategy to tackle violence and help women and girls feel safer.
Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection said: “It is estimated that 3 million women across the UK experience violence each year which is a shocking statistic. I offer my full support to this thought provoking campaign to bring this issue to everyone’s attention.
“I urge people to visit the website to complete this questionnaire in order to help us get a picture of attitudes in Warwickshire which will in turn support valuable further work in this area.”
If you are a victim of domestic abuse or know someone who is, a number of agencies can offer information and support. A free helpline is also available – 0800 408 1552 – open between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 4pm Saturday.
If you are in immediate danger don’t put your family at risk - contact Warwickshire Police by dialling 999 or 01926 415000.
For more information about Domestic Abuse, visit http://www.talk2someone.org.uk.