SI Winchester and SI Solent East were delighted with the response and awareness created by our joint Orange campaign over the 16 days of Activisim.
Joining with partners was key and we had a lot of support from the Stop Domestic Abuse agency, whose walks we joined in Gosport, Portsmouth and Winchester.
We were also invited to their AGM on 9 December which had some interesting projects.
They are fundraising to build their own refuge in South East Hampshire. The meeting also had some case studies and videos from women they have helped. The statistics still make shocking reading: in 2021/22 a total of 9660 referrals and worked with a total of 3744 adults and 1477 children and young adults. Demand for community, refuge and perpetrator services is growing.
SI Winchester was able to take the charity chalet at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Fair on 25 November where Steve Brine MP joined us and we were able to tell him about our campaign.
Awareness campaign:
We posted daily on Twitter and Facebook / Radio Solent interview 25 November and over the weekend / Event mentioned on Radio Winchester / Solent TV interview on 25 November and filmed on 28 November at Spinnaker Tower with SI Solent East – Solent TV interview on Twitter
Press release covered in: 
Meon Valley Matters / Hampshire Chronicle / Portsmouth News
Stop Domestic Abuse walks mentioned in:
Hampshire Chronicle / Mid Hampshire Observer
Winchester Guildhall clock face illuminated orange 24-28 November and Spinnaker Tower illuminated orange on 28 November
Future awareness activities will be to talk to retailers in the city centre.
We were also delighted to have comments and support from local MPs and Dame Vera Baird.
Dame Vera Baird, former Victims’ Commissioner with whom we have worked closely on Domestic Abuse courts said, ‘Great that The wonderful Soroptimists support this campaign and raise awareness of domestic abuse against women and girls. With education for boys and girls and a wider understanding of how this affects lives today, there is much to be done to change attitudes.’
Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North and Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee said, ‘I am so pleased to see the campaign by Soroptimists International to “Orange the World” and highlight the dreadful toll of violence against women and girls. This November the 25th we will come together to mark White Ribbon Day, and continue the work to stamp out gendered violence. It is great to see local Soroptimists so involved and the Spinnaker Tower turning orange.’
Penny Mordaunt MP for North Portsmouth and Leader of the House of Commons said, ‘Raising awareness is vital to get messages out to people, enabling them not only to know how they can get help, but to also recognise VAWG, which for some has become normalised. I hope the lighting up of our iconic landmarks will help achieve that aim. My thanks to all involved.’
