Camden recognises White Ribbon Day and launches new campaign to raise awareness about domestic abuse
Today, Camden is recognising White Ribbon Day – an international campaign to raise awareness about Violence Against Women and Girls and the support available to those affected by it.
Camden is marking this day as well as the ‘16 days of action’ that follow with a campaign to raise awareness about domestic abuse and the work to end male violence against women and girls.
The campaign, called ‘Know You’re Not Alone’, powerfully highlights the different forms of domestic abuse such as controlling or coercive behaviour, psychological and emotional abuse, financial abuse and physical abuse. It also aims to show the different types of relationships where abuse can take place, including with ex-partners, and family members.
Camden is a place where domestic abuse is not tolerated and our work to address violence against women and girls is a high priority for us. This White Ribbon Day, and the 16 days of action that follow, reminds us of the importance of raising awareness about domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, as well as the collective responsibility to keep each other safe, to direct those who need help to the right support and to not stay silent about abuse.
Across the Council we are doing a lot of work to prevent and tackle domestic abuse – but as always we know we must keep striving further. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, please remember you are not alone and support is available for everyone who needs it.
In the last few years, the Council has invested £400k every year to expand support services.
This includes working with young people to address harmful behaviours and attitudes and supporting victims of domestic abuse access the support they need. In December, Camden will also be launching a new Housing and Domestic Abuse Policy co-produced with survivors of domestic abuse. The policy will help to make sure council tenants know their rights and how we as landlords can support them.
As part of this work, earlier this year Camden launched a powerful campaign to help keep women and girls safe. Named ‘In Camden we call it out!’ the campaign is a rallying call for communities to work together to help make the borough a safer place for women and girls by calling out and safely challenging any inappropriate behaviour they witness taking place in the borough.
We’re also approaching one year of running Camden’s Safety Bus also launched to provide a safe space for anyone who needs help or support during a night out, parked on Camden High Street, near Camden Town Tube station on Friday and Saturday nights from 9.30pm to 2.30am.
How to access support
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call our advice service, Camden Safety Net on 020 7974 2526. To find out about the wide range of support available from across the Council, visit camden.gov.uk/domestic-abuse
- If you are worried about a friend, family member or neighbour experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact our dedicated officers at Camden Safety Net.
- Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, culture or sexual orientation.
- Our Camden Safety Net are here to help – call 020 7974 2526 or email camdensafetynet@camden.gov.uk, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. You can also contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline who are open 24/7 on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, always ring 999.
