University Conference Launches Campaign to Challenge Domestic Abuse across County

16-days-launch

Experts in the University's Centre for Violence Prevention held a conference to mark the start of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence in Worcestershire, highlighting what the University's Centre for Violence Prevention is doing in this field.

The "Not in my backyard" Challenging Domestic Abuse in Worcestershire event also saw attendees, including some members of the Wolves team, make pledges to play their part in bringing an end to domestic abuse.

Senior Lecturer, Dr Holly Taylor-Dunn, who led the event on behalf of the Centre for Violence Prevention, said: "We were delighted to host the launch of the 16 Days of Action across Worcestershire. This event is vitally important in raising awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence and encourages everyone to take responsibility for challenging behaviour that allows violence and abuse to persist."

The 16 Days of Action is an annual international campaign that aims to raise awareness and prompt action to end violence against women and girls at an international, national and local level.

In Worcestershire, residents are being asked to pledge to "Say No" to domestic abuse and sexual violence through the White Ribbon Campaign.

The event brought together agencies across Worcestershire who support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. They heard more about efforts to tackle the issue, including experts from the University's Centre for Violence Prevention, who spoke about work on a Bystander Intervention programme for Worcester students. This aims to challenge the norms in our society that permit and condone sexual harassment, sexual violence and domestic abuse.

To make a pledge visit www.whiteribbon.org.uk.