Council to hand out flowers ahead of domestic violence awareness drive
Town Hall staff will be handing out flowers this Friday. Photograph: Hackney Council
Hackney Council staff will present single flowers to women across the borough this Friday in support of a campaign by leading domestic violence charity Standing Together.
The ‘Blooming Strong’ awareness drive celebrates the strength of women who have survived gender-based violence in the hope it will encourage sufferers to unlock that strength in themselves.
The campaign coincides with International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Saturday, which will also mark the start of 16 days of action across Hackney, culminating on Human Rights Day on 10 December.
Cllr Rebecca Rennison, cabinet member with responsibility for domestic abuse, said: “It can be very difficult for people to tell others that they are suffering.
“By presenting a variety of women with a single flower, we want to encourage victims of domestic violence to know that they have the strength and resilience to survive, and that when they’re ready, we’re here for them.”
The council, Homerton Hospital and other organisations will run public events during the 16 days of campaigning, including discussions, art workshops, and even a rap laboratory for young men and women.
In England and Wales, seven women a month are killed by a current or former partner.
The Metropolitan Police found that 25 per cent of all violent crime committed in the capital in 2015 was domestic abuse, and that male violence against women accounts for 85 per cent of domestic abuse cases reported to them.
Cllr Rennison added: “Hackney Council has a zero tolerance approach to gender-based violence and is clear that there is no space for violence against women and girls in Hackney.
“We take a holistic approach to tackling domestic abuse, working closely with victims of abuse, partner organisations and women’s charities to help end the cycle of abuse.”
Further details about events taking place in Hackney from 25 November to 10 December are available on the council’s website here
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact Hackney Council’s Domestic Abuse Intervention Service directly, or ask someone such as your health visitor, doctor, housing worker or social worker to refer you.
If you are not ready to provide your details, the service is still happy to speak to you about your experiences, explain any limits on confidentiality and offer information and advice.
You can also contact the service if you are using violence and abuse and want to get help to stop your behaviour.
Please contact the team on 020 8356 4458, dais@hackney.gov.uk or visit www.hackney.gov.uk/domestic-
Anyone needing help or support can also contact the 24-hour free national helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency always call 999.