‘Helping Hands’ stall for domestic abuse
Stalls across Bristol will be on hand to bring the problem of domestic violence out into the open this Friday.
A 2008 survey polling Bristol residents about domestic violence, found that 18 per cent of people think that violence and abuse is a private matter.
Shockingly, in 90 per cent of domestic violence cases where children are in the family, the abuse is happening whilst they are in the same or the room next door.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Safer Bristol and the Bristol NHS Public Health team are encouraging people to report suspected abuse and will be setting up stalls to help them.
The ‘Helping Hands’ campaign will visit Bristol locations on Friday 12th February, including The Galleries in Broadmead, Asda Bedminster and Tesco Golden Hill.
Stalls will be giving away keyrings and tips on spotting the signs and symptoms of abuse and where to go for help.
Visitors to the stalls will also be able to make a hand print and write up a message of hope for the future.
Domestic Violence Strategy Coordinator for Safer Bristol, Lesley Welch said: “Domestic violence and abuse is a crime which affects 1 in 4 women in Bristol. It affects teenagers in their first relationships as well as older people. Someone we know is experiencing domestic abuse in their relationship now, and we can support them to get help.”
If you are worried that someone you know is experience abuse, here are a list of contacts you can go to for advice.
National domestic violence helpline: 0808 2000 247
Womankind Helpline Bristol: 0845 458 2914
Next Link (support for female survivors in Bristol): 0117 925 0680
Victim Support (support for female and male victims in Bristol): 0845 456 6099
Wish (support for male and female survivors in Hartcliffe, Withywood and Knowle): 0117 903 8632
Broken Rainbow (for LGBT survivors): 08452 604 460
Men’s Advice Line (for male victims): 0808 801 0327
Respect (for people worried about their own behaviour): 0845 122 8609
www.bdaf.org.uk for more information on services in Bristol.