Type=image;ImageID=16857;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Staff supporting this year's campaign;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=16858;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Staff supporting this year's campaign;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=16855;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Supporting annual safeguarding campaign;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=16856;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Natalie Barrow and Jennie Hickson;TitleClass=strong;
The city is once again taking part in the United Nations' annual 16 day Orange the World crusade to end violence against women and girls. Individuals, groups and organisations have been encouraged to 'go orange' and not only raise awareness of the problem of violence against others, but also highlight the help and support that is available to victims in Wolverhampton.
The local campaign, which began on Sunday (25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls) and continues until Monday 10 December (UN Human Rights Day), is championed and run by Wolverhampton Safeguarding Boards, the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership and Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum.
Thousands of people - including staff at the City of Wolverhampton Council - showed their support by putting on orange clothing or accessories on Wear Orange day yesterday (Monday) and are continuing to do so by wearing orange ribbons throughout the 16 day campaign, while the iconic Prince Albert and Lady Wulfruna statues in Wolverhampton city centre are sporting orange sashes until 10 December.
Shoppers are invited to pay a visit to the Orange Wolverhampton pop-up shop in the Wulfrun Centre from 10am to 4pm on Thursday (29 November, 2018). Visitors to the shop, by the Cleveland Street entrance, will be able to find out more about the campaign and pick up an orange ribbon to pledge their support. They will also be able to speak in confidence to representatives of Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum and other local support services about any issues affecting them, their friends or loved ones.
There are dozens of other events planned over the coming days, including coffee mornings and other social events. Various orange activities are planned at local places of worship, while orange banners and flags are flying at various locations and the lighting stacks on Dudley Street have also been turned orange.
People and organisations are also backing the campaign by turning social media channels and websites orange or sharing photos and key campaign messages via social media. In addition, they are being encouraged to turn their own events or activities - whether it be a meeting, social gathering, a sport or a performance - orange between now and 10 December.
By helping Orange Wolverhampton, people will not only raise awareness of gender-based violence - violence primarily committed against women and girls, including domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called 'honour based' violence and sexual violence - but also the help and support that is available to victims.
Councillor Hazel Malcolm, the City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Gender based violence in any of its forms is illegal and totally abhorrent, and we are committed to working with our partners to identify and support anyone who is the victim of it.
"Turning Wolverhampton orange is an important part of our work to raise awareness of these issues and to make sure people know how to get the help and support they need, and we are delighted to once again be supporting the United Nations' Orange the World campaign."
To find out more about the Orange Wolverhampton campaign, please visit Type=links;Linkid=10998;Title=OrangeWolves;Target=_blank; or follow it on Twitter at Type=links;Linkid=9893;Title=WVsafeguarding;Target=_blank; using the hashtag #OrangeWolves, or Type=links;Linkid=7788;Title=Facebook;Target=_blank;.
Anyone suffering from domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called 'honour based' violence or sexual violence, or knows someone who is, should call the relevant helpline:
- The Haven Wolverhampton 24-hour helpline for women - 08000 194400
- St George's Hub support for male victims - 01902 421904
- National Domestic Violence helpline for women - 0808 2000 247
- National Domestic Violence helpline for men - 0808 8010327
- NSPCC FGM helpline - 0800 028 3550
- Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of so-called 'honour-based' violence and forced marriage - 0800 5999 247
- Wolverhampton Adults Social Care - 01902 551199
- Wolverhampton Children's Social Care - 01902 555392
In an emergency, always call police on 999.
- released: Tuesday 27 November, 2018