16 Days of Action domestic abuse prevention campaign
Monday 27th November 2023
What would you do? Swindon and Wiltshire join forces for 16 Days of Action domestic abuse prevention campaign
- You’re at work and you’re worried someone is turning up with bruises.
- You’ve noticed your friend no longer joins you for drinks or your sports games.
- You hear your neighbours shouting and worry that someone is getting hurt.
What would you do?
That’s the question that Wiltshire and Swindon is asking this November as organisations join forces to once again highlight domestic abuse – and what people can do to help.
The national campaign 16 Days of Action started on 25 November and this year Wiltshire and Swindon wants to raise awareness of domestic abuse and to encourage people who know something isn’t right, how they can help.
Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Police, Office of Police and Crime Commissioner and charities FearFree and Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, Nelson Trust, and the hospitals in Swindon and Salisbury are all participating.
All involved will be running information on what to do if you are concerned that someone is suffering domestic abuse.
Claire Marshall, CEO, FearFree said: “Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, and this campaign aims to make sure that it’s a battle that nobody must face alone. We’re asking people to take a few minutes to learn how to recognise the signs of abuse and what actions they can take to support someone. Something as simple as letting a colleague know there are organisations that can help them could save a life.”
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health at Wiltshire Council, said: “We all have a role to play in being there for people who are victims of domestic abuse. It can be difficult to know exactly what to do. You may feel awkward about asking or feel you’re intruding. Ultimately the person who is suffering the abuse may need those words from you or that offer of help so they can take the next step. We are sharing some advice on how you can offer that help to take the first steps towards leaving abuse. We are a community and we need to support each other. People should not suffer in silence and they do not need to be alone.”
People who are experiencing domestic abuse can contact:
Wiltshire:
Weekdays call Fearfree 01225 775276
Out of hours helpline 01225 712880.
In an emergency dial 999.
