White Ribbon Day

“Southampton Takes a Stand Against Domestic Violence”

The 25th November (White Ribbon Day) has a long history as a date for campaigning against violence against women. The white ribbon is a symbol of hope for a world where women and girls can live free from the fear of violence, it is an opportunity for everyone to show that they do not accept or condone violence against women.

This year to mark the day, and to raise awareness of domestic violence, Southampton Domestic Violence Forum is working with various agencies on a number of activities to send out a message that domestic violence will not be tolerated or ignored in the City, and to let people know where they can get help.

The main event will be the delivery of 6 half-day information sessions for frontline workers in Southampton covering:

• Domestic violence

• The impact of domestic violence on children & young people

• So called ‘honour’-based violence.

There are 2 information sessions for each of the topics starting on 25th November. All the sessions have proved popular and are now fully booked.

In conjunction with this the following activities will be happening:

• Southampton Women’s Aid will be raising awareness of their new freephone helpline in the Mall Marlands on 25th November.

• Southampton Police will be wearing white ribbon button badges to mark the day.

• Southampton City Council Housing Services are organising a 5-aside football match and will ask staff to wear white ribbons

• SDVF are also producing white ribbon button badges which will be available at the Mall Marlands on 25th November and for those who attend the information sessions.

If you would like to know more about any of the above please contact SDVF c/o Safer Communities, Southampton City Council by email: community.safety@southampton.gov.uk , tel: 023 8083 3071

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence can affect anyone at anytime in their life, no matter what their background, age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion or belief.

It can affect people in many different ways, below are just some of the behaviours that are considered to be domestic violence:

Physical abuse (punching, slapping, pulling hair, biting, burning, hitting, choking, kicking…)

Financial abuse (having to account for all your spending, being kept without money…)

Emotional abuse (blame, humiliation, verbal abuse, being put down, being kept away from your family and friends…)

Sexual violence (rape, sexual assault, being forced to watch or act out pornography, indecent phone call…)

Threatening behaviour (verbal and/or physical threats, being watched, followed or pestered…)

What is so called ‘honour’-based violence?

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) have defined so-called ‘honour’ based violence as a crime or incident, which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and or community.

The term ‘honour’ is used to identify the specific trigger and risk factors linked with these crimes, it’s important to highlight that there is no honour in violence or abuse, and this issue should be understood in the wider context as an abuse of human rights.

So called ‘honour’-based violence is a collection of practices, which are used to control behaviour within families to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and /or honour. It includes honour killings (murder in the name of honour), and a range of other violent and abusive practices including domestic violence, forced marriage, rape and sexual abuse and female genital mutilation, all perpetrated in the name of ‘honour’

Victims of so called ‘honour’-based violence suffer violence, abuse, depression, anxiety and other psychological problems that can lead to self-harm, schizophrenia and suicide. It can also result in murder and abduction.

Where can I get help?

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence you can get help. Below are some of the local and national phone numbers to call for advice, practical help or just to be there when you need to talk.

IN AN EMERGENCY ALWAYS DIAL 999

Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline. Run in partnership with Women’s Aid and Refuge: 0808 2000 247

Honour Network Helpline: 0800 5999 247

Forced Marriage Unit: 020 7008 0151 - out of hours 020 7008 1500

Southampton Women’s Aid Freephone Helpline: 023 8071 0068

South Hampshire Women’s Refuge (24 hour): 023 8063 7550

Stonham Domestic Violence Services – refuge provision: 023 8067 1626

Southampton Police Community Support Team: 023 8067 4198

Southampton Rape Crisis: 023 8063 6313

No Limits (for young people 13-25): 023 8022 4224

Childline: 0800 1111

Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327

Respect (helpline for perpetrators): 0845 1228 609

Victim Support, Hants & IOW: 023 8023 7348

Samaritans, Southampton & District: 0845 7909 090

Why is domestic violence and so called ‘honour’-based violence important?

• There were 4893 reports of domestic violence to Southampton Police in 2006/07.

• In a one week period in 2008 705 cases of domestic violence were presented to services in Southampton.

• Only a third of domestic violence is reported

• One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime

• One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute

• Every week two women are killed by a violent partner

• In 90% of domestic violence incidents children are in the same or next room.

• A third of all murders are ‘domestic’.

• There are an estimated 12 "honour" killings in Britain a year, but police believe they are only the most extreme end of a much larger problem.

• Worldwide over 5000 women and girls are killed every year by family members according to the UN.

• Forced marriage, which is often a form of honour based violence is also a significant issue, the Governments Forced Marriage Unit deals with around 400 cases per year

It is widely recognised that these issues are massively under reported so these statistics are just the tip of the iceberg.

What else is happening in Southampton to combat domestic violence and so called ‘honour’-based violence?

There is lots of work happening in Southampton to combat domestic violence. SDVF is made up of over 70 organisations in the city all working together on this issue. This includes work to improve services for individuals experiencing domestic violence and work to prevent domestic violence from happening.

SDVF have just drafted guidance on so called ‘honour’-based violence and how to respond if you think someone is at risk. This has been complemented by training for key agencies and the information sessions organised for White Ribbon Day this year.

You can find out more detail about this in SDVF’s Strategy Against Domestic Violence, and the other information pages on Southampton Online.

SDVF also produces helpline cards, a directory and a handbook giving details of what can be done about domestic violence and where people can get help. These can also be found on the following pages.