White Ribbon Campaign - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

On November 25 2009, the Lambeth Domestic Violence Forum will be undertaking a series of activities to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the White Ribbon Campaign.

The United Nations has designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and has invited Governments, international organisations and non-governmental organizations to organise on that day activities to raise public awareness on the problem. For more information on the International day for the elimination of Violence against women please go to: http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/violence/

The White Ribbon Campaign also begins on the November 25, urging people to wear a white ribbon. The Campaign is the largest effort in the world of men working to end men's violence against women. Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. For more information on the white ribbon campaign go to http://www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/.

How common is domestic violence in the UK?

- It is estimated that Domestic Violence accounts for approximately 15% of violent crime nationally, and accounts for 31% of all violence against women and 5% of all violence against men. - On average, 2 women a week are killed by a current or former male partner.
- 1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime and women experience a greater risk of repeat victimisation and serious injury.
- 1 in 6 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

How common is domestic violence in Lambeth?

- Nearly 5000 domestic violence incidents were reported to Lambeth Police between April 2008 and March 2009.
- About 20% of people who have reported a domestic violence offence to the police in Lambeth will experience domestic violence on more than one occasion.

This is the link to Women’s Aid and which provides further information about Domestic Violence, including frequently asked questions and statistics http://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic_violence_topic.asp?section=0001000100220041&sectionTitle=Domestic+violence+%28general%29

Lambeth also has a Domestic Violence Training Programme, should you wish to book any of the free training by contacting alall@lambeth.gov.uk.

You might be interested in our latest DV Forum e-newsletter by downloading a PDF version from: http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/Services/AdviceBenefits/DomesticViolence/

If you would like to receive further information about Domestic Violence, interested in joining the Lambeth Domestic Violence Forum, or would like to receive further domestic violence publicity please do not hesitate to contact me on jholvey@lambeth.gov.uk or 0207 926 4877.