Hundreds of people called into the shop, at the Wulfrun Centre on Monday and Tuesday (25 and 26 November), meeting representatives from 19 organisations and learning about the campaign to raise awareness of the issues of domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour based’ violence, sexual violence, stalking or harassment, and the help and support which is available to victims from local and national organisations.
Thousands of orange ribbons were given out for people to wear to show their support for the campaign, while many also took the opportunity to purchase limited edition orange pin badges and orange trolley tokens, with all proceeds going towards the safeguarding campaign.
Meanwhile, professionals were on hand to provide immediate help to a number of individuals who disclosed that they were currently being abused in some way, and also supported dozens more who disclosed previous instances of abuse or violence.
More than 50 people signed up for training with Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum to become Violence Against Women and Girls 'community champions', while over a dozen asked about volunteering opportunities with the organisation. Visitors also made public pledges on an orange map of Wolverhampton or had their photographs taken to demonstrate support, while hundreds of leaflets and posters were distributed to individuals or groups.
Visitors were even able to take orange baubles from the pop up shop’s Christmas tree to hang at home to remind them of the campaign over the festive period.
Penny Darlington, Chair of Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum, said: "The pop up shop was very successful once again this year; not only were we able to share the Orange Wolverhampton campaign messages with hundreds of shoppers, but we were also able to offer important help and support to a number of people who are currently suffering, or have previously suffered, from abuse.
"The message is clear, if you or someone you know is suffering from domestic or sexual abuse or stalking, or if you’re concerned about forced marriage, honour based violence, or female genital mutilation, please get help."
She added: “We would like to thank everyone who visited the shop, and all those agencies who were present throughout to provide help and advice, and also say a big thank you to Year 6 pupils at Bantock Primary School who created orange hands for our window display.”
Anyone suffering from domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so called ‘honour based’ violence, sexual violence, stalking or harassment, or knows someone who is, should call the relevant helpline:
- The Haven Wolverhampton 24 hour helpline for women - 08000 194400
- Haven Counselling helpline - 08000 308 345 (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Friday 9am to 2pm)
- Haven online Live Chat, You Matter (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm)
- St George’s Hub support for male victims - 01902 421904
- Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of so called ‘honour based’ violence and forced marriage - 0800 5999 247
- Wolverhampton Adult Social Care - 01902 551199
- Wolverhampton Children's Social Care - 01902 555392
- West Midlands Forced Marriage and Honour Based Violence Helpline - 0800 953 9777
- National Domestic Violence helpline for women - 0808 2000 247
- National Domestic Violence helpline for men - 0808 8010327
- NSPCC Female Genital Mutilation helpline - 0800 028 3550
For more detailed local information please visit Wolverhampton Safeguarding. In an emergency, always call police on 999.
The Orange Wolverhampton campaign is coordinated by Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together, the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership, Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum and the City of Wolverhampton Council and supports the United Nations’ Orange the World campaign to end violence against women and girls.
Residents, businesses, schools, churches, voluntary groups and other organisations are encouraged to turn Wolverhampton orange between now and 10 December by holding wear orange days, turning their websites and social media channels orange, sharing campaign messages with friends, customers and colleagues, organising orange coffee mornings, flying orange flags and much more.
For more information of this year's campaign, and details of how to get involved, please visit the Orange Wolverhampton website or follow the campaign on Twitter using the hashtag #OrangeWolves.
