Maidenhead & Windsor

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents are being encouraged to wear white ribbons on Wednesday 25 November to mark International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women.

The Windsor and Maidenhead ribbons - available from a staffed stand at the Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead from 12noon to 6pm - support the White Ribbon Campaign, an international effort to end male violence against women. While the international campaign focuses on abuse towards women, the borough's multi-agency domestic abuse forum will be using the campaign as an opportunity to highlight that men too can be victims of domestic abuse.

The ribbons represent a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

Windsor and Maidenhead Forum members will be on hand on the day to offer advice and support to those who have suffered, or who are currently suffering, domestic abuse and professionals working with victims of domestic abuse who would like to become more involved with the forum and local work.

All proceeds from the white ribbons will go towards:

* Berkshire East & South Bucks Women's Aid which provides drop-in services, advocacy and outreach support for male and female victims of domestic abuse as well as refuge accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic abuse
* Kinara Asian Women's Service which provides refuge accommodation in a culturally sensitive atmosphere to Asian women who are victims of domestic abuse.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead community safety, said: "It is important that we use the White Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse in the Royal Borough so that victims know where to go for help, how to report domestic abuse, and what help and support there is available to them so they, and their children, can start to live a safer life.

"It is a shame that we still need special days to raise awareness - but it is encouraging that more victims are coming forward. We must ensure victims have the information and support they need and that perpetrators know their behaviour will not be tolerated. We will be working with Thames Valley Police to make sure all victims of domestic abuse are treated with humanity and respect."

Sophie Wing-King, domestic abuse co-ordinator for Berkshire East, said: "Reports of domestic abuse in the borough continue to rise, which indicates that victims are feeling more confident to seek help and support from local support services. This is positive as it means more victims and their children can be supported to live safer lives, free of violence, and that perpetrators of abuse can be held accountable for their actions.

"We acknowledge that a number of men and women suffering domestic abuse may still be too scared to come forward to seek help and support; however we would encourage those people to speak to someone about what they are going through. If you think that someone is being abused, then please talk to them about it and offer your support to them.

"Domestic abuse can happen to anyone in any relationship, regardless of social group, class, age, race, disability, sexuality or gender. It can occur at any time; in a new relationship or after many years, while still in a relationship, during separation, or even after separation.

"Whilst it may be hard to acknowledge that this is going on, there is help and support available."

To report Windsor and Maidenhead domestic abuse to Thames Valley Police, call 999 in an emergency or 0845 8 505 505 in a non-emergency. To speak to someone in confidence, call Berkshire East & South Bucks Women's Aid on 01753 549865 or Kinara Asian Women's Service on 01753 592988. Men who are worried about their abusive behaviour can call the Changing Ways East Berkshire & Wokingham Perpetrator Programme on 07818 054563. Women can call the Respect phone line, Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm and 2 to 5pm on 0845 122 6809.

For more information about domestic abuse, and a full list of national and local support agencies, please visit the borough's domestic abuse forum website at www.rbwmdvf.org.uk

In 2007/08 1,238 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to Thames Valley Police across Windsor, Maidenhead and Ascot and in 2008/09 1,410 incidents were reported. From April to September this year, 773 incidents have been reported.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead