Dorset Council supports 16 days of action, raising awareness of services available to people experiencing domestic abuse

Today (25 November) marks the beginning of 16 days of action, a time when communities across the country come together to end domestic abuse in all its forms and supports those affected by domestic abuse.

Dorset Council is using this opportunity to raise awareness of the services available to all people affected by domestic abuse.

Dorset Council will also be using this time to support a range of national campaigns, including the White Ribbon campaign, which aims to prevent abuse against women and girls.

Over the past few years, Dorset Council has worked with organisations, and listened to feedback from communities to help shape the local response. We have undertaken detailed research and have invested additional funds to ensure those affected by domestic abuse have access to the right support when they need it.

This year, the Council has been refreshing its domestic abuse strategy to ensure it remains up to date with the latest evidence and best practice. Over the coming weeks we will publish our Draft Domestic Abuse Strategy for public consultation.

Cllr Gill Taylor, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Chair of the Dorset Community Safety Partnership, said: "Domestic abuse, in all forms, is completely unacceptable. Dorset Council and our partners are committed to tackling it by preventing abuse from happening, supporting victims and prosecuting offenders."

"I also want residents who are struggling and affected by domestic abuse to know that support is always available, and how to access it. If you are finding family life difficult, please reach out. Our partners at Paragon are there for you, whatever your age and no matter what time of day it is."

Cllr Stella Jones, Chair of Dorset Council, added: "Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on someone's life, their family and the wider community around them. Across Dorset, there are a wide range of services that are available to people and their families who need them, and I am encouraging people to access them should they need them."

"This year, Dorset Council is showing its support to ending domestic abuse by supporting the White Ribbon Flag initiative. Starting today, we will be flying the White Ribbon flag at County Hall, demonstrating our commitment to people affected by domestic abuse, and coming together alongside the community to end domestic abuse."

Molly Rennie, Chair of the Dorset Domestic Abuse Forum and Dorchester town councillor, added: "Our relationships are hugely important. If you are feeling unsafe or frightened because someone is hurting you, either physically or mentally, it's not your fault. Confidential advice and support is always there for you, whatever your age or gender."

"The Dorset Domestic Abuse Forum, which brings together Domestic Abuse partners and supporters of this work together to tackle domestic abuse, is joining organisations and communities across Dorset to support White Ribbon. In support of the White Ribbon initiative, the forum is making available free enamel white ribbon badges which people can pick up from the reception desk at County Hall in Dorchester and Weymouth and Dorchester town council offices. Whilst these are free, there will be the opportunity to make a small donation if you wish to, with all proceeds going to local charities supporting people affected by domestic abuse."

"We are encouraging everyone to join us in ending domestic abuse."

Tackling domestic abuse has been a priority for organisations in Dorset for many year and three years ago  the Government passed the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which result in the publication of the Dorset Domestic Abuse Strategy.

Notes to Editors:

Details of services available to people affected by domestic abuse can be found at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dvahelp

Our Domestic Abuse Strategy can be found at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/domestic-abuse-strategy-2021-4-1

The White Ribbon is the globally recognised symbol to end men's abuse against women and girls. Since the inception of the White Ribbon movement 35 years ago in Canada, the White Ribbon has become an important symbol in the fight to end gender-based violence. Allyship is a central message of the White Ribbon; it represents men taking responsibility to challenge this issue and being allies, every day, to stop abuse against women and girls before it starts. Information about the White Ribbon campaign can be found at https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/about-us

If you need advice about Domestic Abuse, please speak to one of the Paragon advisers on 0800 032 5204. In an emergency, always dial 999

Photo - from left to right Katrina Duvall, Paragon team manager; Cllr Molly Rennie, Chair of the Domestic Abuse Forum and Dorchester town councillor; Tom Clifton, Dorset Youth Parliament member; Ian Grant, Dorset Council Community Safety and Housing programme lead; Cllr Stella Jones, chair of Dorset Council; Cllr Gill Taylor, Cabinet Member Community Safety and Chair of the Dorset Community Safety Partnership and Ginty McDermott, Paragon service manager.