On November 25th, UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, more than 60 Soroptimists and friends travelled by train from all over the South West to Bristol Temple Meads station. They marched to the Lord Mayor’s
Chapel, distributing bookmarks about respectful relationships to those en route. At the chapel they were addressed by the Lord Mayor, the PCC Sue Mountstevens, Jodi Collett of Victim Support, Tara Newley Arkle and her mother Dame Joan Collins.
Sue Mountstevens talked about the importance of the issue of domestic abuse and how it was now being taken seriously and investigated by the police. Jodi Collett explained how her organisation supported domestic abuse victims. Both Tara Arkle and Dame Joan admitted to having been victims of domestic violence.
This event was organised by Weston-super-Mare Soroptimists and their President Ruth Thomas thanked all those who had participated in the event and thanked Dame Joan in particular for making the effort to be present and for lending her valuable support. The bookmarks were funded by a grant from the Police Commisioner’s Community Action Fund. Coverage of this event can also be seen on SIGBI’s main website as well.