Orange the World

Taking Steps to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls

Salisbury Soroptimists are organising events and displays in support of the United Nations Orange the World and international ’16 days of Activism’ campaingns to eliminate violence against women and girls. We have been active in supporting this in past years See our project page.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

We would like everyone in Salisbury to take their own steps to make this a reality.

What steps will you take?

Learn about Domestic Abuse

Women’s Aid is a national charity working to end domestic abuse. They provide services and campaign for change.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline also provides information and advice.

Fear Free works in Wiltshire to provide services and information and help break the cycle of abuse. They can visit your workplace for a ‘Lunch and Learn’ session. Hairdressers can take part in ‘Comb Together‘ training.

The Alice Ruggles Trust helps young people understand stalking and how to deal with it. They upskill and provide resources for teachers and those working with young people.

Become an Active Bystander

Learn the 5Ds by following the free online training to prevent street harassment provided by The Suzy Lamplugh Trust or StandUp International.

Become a Male Ally

Violence against women and girls is rooted in harmful norms. Everyone, particularly men, need to talk about attitudes and behaviours that contribute to women’s fear of violence in their everyday lives.

A simple guide to how your actions can help women feel safer is here in The Good Guys Guide.

The Mayor of London’s campaign is a good conversation starter – who can you talk to about this?

Make the White Ribbon Promise to show your commitment to changing attitudes.

Below we share resources and links as an information hub. We take no responsibility for the contents of these sites or the advice offered.

Domestic and Sexual Abuse in Wiltshire

Who should I contact?

If you are in immediate danger call 999. If you can’t speak once connected, tap the phone or cough or dial 55 – this will confirm it is an emergency and your call will be transferred to the police.

If not an emergency call Wiltshire Police on 101 or contact them online.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247

Refuge 0808 4000247

Largest Domestic Abuse National organisation supporting women and their children to overcome abuse and rebuild their lives.

FearFree (formerly Splitz)

Full range of services within a single, easy to use access point. Enquiries and referrals: spa@fear-free.org.uk

Tel (9am – 5pm): 01225 775276 out of hours: 01225 712880

First Light is the Sexual Assault Referral Centre for Swindon and Wiltshire and is your first point of contact whether you want to report the incident to the police or not.

Swindon Sanctuary at Great Western Hospital

Women’s Aid

along with the Home Office are trialling emergency funds for women fleeing abuse. Women’s Aid support women and children suffering domestic abuse and have a wealth of resources. Check out their survivor’s handbook.

UK Says No More

campaign against domestic abuse. Signposts to safe spaces online and in your area.

The Domestic Abuse Commissioner exists to support victims. There is an excellent list of resources here.

Financial Abuse

Information on Financial Support for victims of Domestic Abuse

Technology

Abusers can exploit tech to track and monitor victims. Check out what you can do to combat this here.

Stalking

Suzy Lamplugh Trust run National Stalking Helpline Tel: 08088 020300
Enquiries:advice@stalkinghelpline.org

The Alice Ruggles Trust provides information and training

The Cyber Helpline supports victims of cyber crime

Check out potential new partners

Did you know that you, or an interested third party (eg family member) can check whether an ex or current partner has a history of violence or abuse? This ‘Right to Ask’ is enshrined in Clare’s Law. More information on HM Govt website or on a dedicated website Clare’s Law. However, Wiltshire Police are currently reviewing their handling of such requests in past years, which have not been properly done.

How can I help someone else?

How to respond to someone who you suspect is suffering domestic or sexual abuse, or if someone talks to you about it.

Listen
provide details of a professional support service (see above)
use Bright Sky app to provide practical support

More guidance here.

#ReachIn How to offer support

Take a free course to improve your knowledge

What will happen next?

We hope you will find helpful advice from one or more of the suggestions above.

If your case goes to court find useful information about Swindon Court here and Salisbury Family Court here.

Some general advice about court proceedings, what to expect and ‘dos and don’ts’ here.

Domestic Abuse