DV – Sixteen days of activism

As chair of the Residents’ Services Overview Panel a few years ago, I led Kingston’s biggest ever scrutiny of domestic violence in the Borough and RBK’s mechanisms for dealing with the problem. So I commend this press release to the attention of readers:-

The Kingston Domestic Abuse Forum, in association with the Safer Kingston Partnership, have organised a series of free events to mark the 16 Days of Activism.

From the 25 November until 10 December, Kingston will be joining the rest of the world to campaign against violence towards women, and the drive begins on White Ribbon Day and ends on International Human Rights Day.

During the 16 Days, which is an annual campaign started in 1991 by the United Nations, events will take place throughout the borough and include:

*    Rose Theatre Projections – images will be projected from the Rose Theatre onto Kingston police station every night to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

*    A free film evening on Tuesday 8th December: Screening of Gary Oldman’s multi-award winning film ‘Nil by mouth’ starring Ray Winstone and Kathy Burke.

Kingston’s domestic violence One Stop Shop will also be running specially extended opening hours on Monday 30th November from 10am to 3pm. The One Stop Shop offers confidential information, support and advice relating to domestic abuse, and offers victims the opportunity to report abuse to the police. It takes place every Monday from 9.30am – 12.30pm in the Baptist Church, Union Street, Kingston.
Due to early intervention initiatives such as the One Stop Shop there has been a 63.5% decrease in repeat domestic abuse recorded by the Kingston Police between 2007/2008 and 2008/2009.

If you would like to wear your support on your sleeve, White Ribbons will also be available at Guildhall receptions, the Market House and the Kingston Police station, with all donations going to Kingston domestic abuse service providers

For more information about the One Stop Shop, along with a full list of events during the 16 Days of Activism, please visit http://www.kingston.gov.uk/domestic_violence or contact Kelly Whitehead, Domestic Violence Co-ordinator, Kingston Council on 020 8547 5040 or email kelly.whitehead@rbk.kingston.gov.uk