The Mayor of Wolverhampton is encouraging people to show their support for an international campaign to end violence against women and girls by turning Wolverhampton Orange.

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Organisations across the city, from community groups and charities to schools and public sector bodies, are taking part in the United Nations' 16 day campaign, Orange the World, which begins on Friday 25 November, 2016 - and by doing so will be raising awareness of both the issue of violence against women and girls and also of the support which is available to victims in Wolverhampton.

Mayor Councillor Barry Findlay said: "This is a very important issue which the Mayoress and I are very pleased to support.

"It is heartening to see that so many organisations and individuals in Wolverhampton are making pledges to back the campaign.

"There are plenty of ways in which people can get involved, so I would urge them to show their support for the UN campaign, Orange Wolverhampton and help end violence against women and girls."

The Orange Wolverhampton campaign is being coordinated by Wolverhampton's Safeguarding Boards, the Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum and the City of Wolverhampton Council.

Among the pledges made by organisations and individuals are to turn websites and their social media channels orange and share key messages about the campaign with colleagues, customers and family members.

People are also being encouraged to wear orange clothing on "Go Orange" day (Friday 25 November) and orange ribbons throughout the 16 days of activism, which members of the City of Wolverhampton Council did at a recent Full Council meeting.

Meanwhile schools have been invited to hold orange non uniform days and use special lesson plans to teach pupils about the issues involved.

People backing the campaign can demonstrate their support on social media using the hashtag #orangewolves and by tagging @wvsafeguarding in the conversation, or sharing photos and messages with Safeguarding Boards via Type=links;Linkid=7295;Title=Facebook;Target=_blank;.  

To find out more about the Orange Wolverhampton campaign, please visit Type=links;Linkid=7041;Title=Wolverhampton Safeguarding;Target=_blank;, which also provides a wealth of information and advice about safeguarding issues.

People who are worried about or are suffering from any form of domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, honour based violence or sexual violence should call police on 101 or dial 999 in an emergency. They can also contact the following agencies:

  • Wolverhampton Adults Social Care team on 01902 551199
     
  • Wolverhampton Children's Social Care on 01902 555392
     
  • The Haven Wolverhampton 24 hour Helpline for women and men on 08000 194400
     
  • National Domestic Violence helpline for women on 0808 2000 247
     
  • National Domestic Violence helpline for men on 0808 8010327
     
  • NSPCC FGM Helpline on 0800 028 3550
     
  • Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of honour violence and forced marriage 0800 5999 247
     
  • Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum's Independent Sexual Violence Adviser on 07468 698723

The UN Orange the World campaign takes place annually over 16 days between 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and 10 December, UN Human Rights Day.

  • released: Tuesday 15 November, 2016