Calderdale Council is encouraging people to ‘strike, dance and shake the world’ to support an international campaign to stop violence against women all over the world.
The One Billion Rising campaign aims to encourage people to participate in a series of artistic events and flash mobs on Thursday 14 February 2013. The idea is to raise awareness for the cause, which highlights a zero tolerance message about violence against women. One in three women worldwide will suffer some form of domestic violence in their lifetime, meaning one billion women will be affected at some point in their life.
Events are taking place across the world, including in Halifax and Kirklees. Local people are invited to join in, and can find details of the events at One billion rising(external link)|
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Pauline Nash, said:
“It’s a staggering statistic that one billion women will suffer some form of abuse in their lifetime. It’s an important cause to support, and I hope people get involved to raise awareness of the campaign.
“The Council continues to support those who suffer from domestic violence, and works hard to make sure anyone affected gets the help they need.”
Calderdale has a good track record of supporting those experiencing domestic abuse, with Calderdale Community Safety Partnership gaining White Ribbon status in 2010 in recognition of this. Domestic abuse is one of the biggest causes of homelessness in Calderdale, and affects hundreds of people each year, causing long-term damage and disruption.
The Partnership continues to work closely with WomenCentre, which has been supporting women in Calderdale for over 27 years. Its services focus on promoting the safety of women and girls and ending the violence that many of them have and will continue to experience in their lives. There are many other services including the Women’s Refuge who continue to deliver support to those that need it.
WomenCentre aims to raise awareness of the campaign with women accessing its centre at 23 Silver Street, Halifax.
For further details of the campaign and for local events visit One billion rising(external link)|, and for information, advice and local services, please visit the Domestic violence page on the Council’s website.