If you are forced to change your behaviour because you are frightened of your partner’s reaction, you are being abused.   You can call 0800 408 1552 for advice. For some years we have supported our local Refuge facilities by donating cleaning materials.   We have also raised money e.g by providing refreshments at the annual flu clinics, marshalling the Two Castles Race for our ‘Wellbeing Fund’.   This enables the women and children to enjoy some of the ‘normal’ things of life e.g swimming lessons, panto outings and summer events.  

Refuge against domestic violence supports women and men aged 16 and over. Refuge Domestic Violence Service Warwickshire

It’s definitely the start of Christmas for our Club.   Our theme this year for the annual  Kenilworth Christmas Tree display held in St Nicholas Church as HOOP – President Anita’s international theme for her year.

The White Ribbon Campaign asks men to lead by example and engage with other men and boys to challenge male cultures that lead to harassment, abuse and violence. https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/ We could all show this to our menfolk and get them to take a stand against sexism and gender-based violence.

We wore orange to show our support for this campaign at yesterdays MAR meeting. A very informative session where we learnt about the White Ribbon Campaign from Anthea Scully, UK CEO.   All the Clubs have come away with plans as to how to engage the males in our lives to promote a culture of equality and respect

Doing nothing does harm – is the strapline from Our Watch End violence against women and their children, an Australian website. It gives some great tips on how to support and speak up in situations at work, socially or in public where a woman might need help, there’s videos to watch too. https://www.ourwatch.org.au/DoingNothingDoesHarm/Home#show  

UN Women have posted a brilliant video on their Facebook site showing that what you reply matters when someone is brave enough to admit that they are in an abusive relationship. Domestic Violence Your words can be refuge to someone who doesn’t feel safe. What you say matters to end violence against women. #HearMeToo #orangetheworld #16days Posted by UN Women on Thursday, November 22, 2018

This interesting, (short) video explains how workshops are helping teenage boys challenge harmful gender stereotypes https://www.bbc.com/…/why-the-phrase-man-up-is-so-…/p06sdqg6

To raise awareness,  Soroptimists around the country will be wearing these badges and sporting orange clothing