As part of the international campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence that began this week, the council is also asking residents to spot the signs of abuse and start conversations that challenge the attitudes and behaviours that allow violence against women and girls to continue.
It is estimated that domestic abuse will affect one in five people in their lifetime, including one in every four women. Between April 2023 and the end of March 2024, there were over 3,000 reports of domestic abuse made to Thames Valley Police from across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, averaging eight reports every day.
The DASH Charity provides the council’s domestic abuse support service – providing victims of abuse with confidential advice and providing safe accommodation for women and children fleeing abuse.
In the last year, they supported more than 800 adult survivors of abuse in the Royal Borough, including tailored support for older people, minority communities and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. The Charity also provided tailored support to more than 100 children.
Domestic abuse is not always physical and can involve economic abuse, psychological abuse and controlling and coercive behaviour. Residents can learn more about different forms of abuse on The DASH Charity’s What is domestic abuse? page
Monday 25 November is also White Ribbon Day, that specifically encourages men to challenge and address harmful attitudes and behaviour including invading women’s personal space, sexist remarks and cat calling.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, support is available 24/7, by calling the police on 999 or contacting the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
If you can’t speak, call 999, listen to the call handler and answer questions by pushing buttons or coughing.
The Dash Charity helpline on 01753 549865 is open Monday to Thursdays from 9.30am-3pm and on Fridays from 9.30am to 12pm.
The council’s Housing Service also provides advice and support, including emergency safe housing for victims of domestic abuse. All libraries in the Royal Borough are designated safe spaces and library staff are trained to discreetly seek help for victims. Residents can see the locations of other local safe spaces in the borough at uksaysnomore.org/safespaces
Councillor Catherine del Campo, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Housing services, said: “There is no excuse for domestic abuse of any form in our borough. Support is available 24/7 if you experience abuse or are worried about someone else who may be affected.
“You don’t have to report abuse to the police to access support. Help is available whether you need to take the first steps to safety, are fleeing harm or rebuilding your life after abuse.
“Our teams work closely with The DASH charity, police and our other partners, and I encourage everyone to take the time to spot the signs of abuse so that they can help increase awareness and encourage more people to reach out to us for help.”
Nicola Miller, Chief Executive of The Dash Charity, said: “The Dash Charity has been at the forefront of the fight to end violence against women and girls for nearly 50 years, but we can’t do it alone.
“Men and boys have a critical role to play, and the statistics are clear: 63% of men believe not enough is being done to ensure the safety of women and girls.
“This White Ribbon Day, we’re starting the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign by urging everyone to challenge harmful behaviours like catcalling and raise their voices against inequality and violence. Together, we can build a safer, more equal future."
