DARLINGTON Soroptimist Club is raising awareness of violence against women as part of an international campaign, '16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence.'
The 16 day campaign started yesterday (November 25) and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day, and is followed globally under the motto ‘Orange the World’.
The Soroptimists’ stands in the Dolphin Centre and the Cornmill Centre provide information about gender-based violence in all its forms, orange ribbons to be worn for 16 days, and oranges supplied by Robin Blair of Darlington Covered Market.
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Barbara Brown, Programme Action Lead of Darlington Soroptimist Club, who has been involved with the group since 1982, said: “We want to raise awareness and campaign for the elimination of violence against women and improve the lives of women and girls.
“Women need to know the signs of abuse in relationships before they’re in too deep.
“When it comes to domestic abuse, many people assume it’s just physical, but this extends to emotional, psychological and sexual abuse.”
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Councillor Cyndi Hughes, Mayor of Darlington, said: “I am grateful for the activism and internationalism of our local Soroptimists who are leading on the 16 day campaign against gender-based violence.
“I am always inspired and encouraged by the Soroptimists’ intelligent, compelling activism and will be promoting their work in my role as chair of the council and as First Citizen of Darlington over the next 16 days in the lead up to Human Rights Day on December 10.”
Sylvia Roberts, who has been a member of Darlington Soroptimist Club for over 20 years, said: “We’re campaigning for better lives for women and girls locally and all over the world.”
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White Ribbon Day marks the beginning of the 16 days of action.
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “I am a proud supporter of White Ribbon Day and am asking all our communities, workplaces, and schools to come together to say no to violence against women and girls.
"I am also asking you to join with me in spreading the national #AllMenCan message so that as many men as possible are encouraged to think carefully and make the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.
“Ensuring the dignity, safety, well-being, and human rights of women and girls is the responsibility of every one of us and requires the joint efforts of many.
"As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am aware of the harm, often hidden, that is caused by violence and abuse and I am committed to using the full range of tools and powers at my disposal to help create communities where women and girls can live free from fear and achieve their full potential.”
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The Office of The Durham Police Crime and Victims’ Commissioner will be joining organisations across County Durham and Darlington taking part in the campaign and helping to raise awareness across the 16 days.
Local businesses are displaying posters and bunting, and displays can be found in Crown Street Library, the Town Hall, South Park Café and Bank Top Railway Station.
St Cuthbert’s Church and Holy Trinity Church will have orange flower arrangements and St Augustine’s church is also supporting the campaign.
Everyone is encouraged to wear orange, or at least an orange ribbon, and to post photos on social media to help spread the word.
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