Islington is standing up to violence against women

Islington residents are invited to a White Ribbon Day event on Friday, 24 November, to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse and what is being done to tackle it.

Residents will have the opportunity to speak to a huge variety of support services, including Solace Women’s Aid and the Single Homeless Project, as well as advisors on employment support, mental health and substance misuse among others.

There will also be a performance from a local women’s choir, a female comedian and a photography exhibition of local work, organised by Islington arts organisation All Change.

The event will take place at Williamson Street Community Centre, Parkhurst Road, from 10am-3pm. Lunch will be provided and there will be a children’s play area and storytelling.

Speakers will include the council's executive member for community safety, Cllr Andy Hull, executive member for community development, Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, and Detective Superintendent Treena Fleming

White Ribbon Day is the UN’s international day for the elimination of violence against women on Saturday, 25 November. Islington Council is encouraging all its staff to wear white ribbons and join the campaign.

The council has recently been awarded official White Ribbon accreditation in recognition of its work, which includes funding support services for victims of domestic and sexual abuse, as well as enlisting male ambassadors from the organisation who urge male colleagues to pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about men’s violence against women in all its forms.

Cllr Andy Hull, executive member for community safety, said: “Violence against women and girls will not be tolerated in Islington.

“We are hosting this event to raise awareness of the support services available to victims of abuse.”

Cllr Kaya Comer Schwartz, executive member for community development, said: "Given the awful consequences of violence against women and girls, I urge residents and staff members to show support in wearing the white ribbon."

For confidential advice or support relating to domestic violence you can call the freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, always dial 999. Anyone with information about such a crime can call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For more information on violence against women and girls (VAWG) and all the council's work on it, visit www.islington.gov.uk/vawg