Wolverhampton must turn to Orange and say ‘no’ to interpersonal violence

The annual Orange Wolverhampton campaign, which starts on Monday, November 25, aims to raise awareness of the city the ongoing quest to end domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called honour-related violence and sexual violence violence and stalking and harassment.

At the same time, emphasis is placed on the advice and support available to victims from local and national organizations such as The Haven Wolverhampton, St George’s Hub, Karma Nirvana and the City of Wolverhampton Council.

The campaign runs from November 25, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, the UN Human Rights Day, and supports the UN Orange the World campaign to end to violence against women and girls. In Wolverhampton there is a strong emphasis on ending interpersonal violence against all individuals, whether they are women or men.

This year’s campaign will include a variety of online and in-person events to enable as many people as possible to participate, and will begin with the flag raising outside the Civic Center on November 25 at 11am. Everyone is welcome.

On Monday and Tuesday, December 2 and 3, between 10.30am and 4.30pm, there will be an Orange Wolverhampton information point at the Mander Centre, raising awareness and handing out ribbons.

There are also craft workshops with Changing Lives, a series of virtual Lunch and Learn sessions with The Haven Wolverhampton, ROSHNI, Black Country Women’s Aid, DORCAS and Changing Lives, virtual Spotlight Sessions on domestic violence with Sikh Women’s Aid and drop-in session with Wolverhampton Homes, DORCAS and ROSHNI.

A roundtable event for male survivors and professionals will be hosted by St George’s Hub, which is also hosting a workshop to help identify the hidden male victims of honour-based violence.

Wolverhampton’s Domestic Abuse Champions will be at Wednesfield Library on Friday 29 November to talk to people about any concerns they may have in confidence, and Orange Wolverhampton runners will take part in parkruns in West Park and East Park over the 16 days of activism.

The program ends with an Orange Walk led by ROSHNI on Tuesday, December 10 through the city. Full details of the events will be added to the Orange Wolverhampton website, www.orangewolves.net in the coming days.

Dozens of organizations in Wolverhampton will be supporting this year’s campaign in a variety of ways, from holding ‘wear orange’ days, wearing orange pin badges, turning their websites and social media channels orange, lighting their buildings orange, flying orange flags, sharing key messages about the campaign to staff, customers and service users, and much more.

Councilor Jasbir Jaspal, Wolverhampton City Council Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “The Orange Wolverhampton campaign is a great way for us all to say ‘no’ to interpersonal violence and to raise awareness of the advice and support available to victims. and survivors in Wolverhampton.

“We hope thousands of people will get involved again this year, perhaps by organizing or taking part in one of the many events taking place in the city, or by visiting the Orange Wolverhampton information stand at the Mander Center on September 2 and 3. December.”

A spokesperson for Wolverhampton Council said: “The Orange Wolverhampton campaign is coordinated by Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together, the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership, Wolverhampton Voluntary and Community Action and the council.

“For more information and to sign up for this year’s campaign, visit the Orange Wolverhampton website at www.orangewolves.net to find event details and resources, and to add events you or your organization are planning.”

Anyone who is dealing with domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriages, so-called ‘honour-related’ violence or sexual violence, or knows someone who is, can call the relevant helpline:

• The Haven Wolverhampton 24 hour helpline for women – 08000 194400

• St George’s Hub Support for Male Victims – 01902 421904

• Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of so-called ‘honour-related’ violence and forced marriages – 0800 5999 247

• Wolverhampton Adult Social Care – 01902 551199

• Wolverhampton Children’s Social Care – 01902 555392

• West Midlands Forced Marriage and Honour-Based Violence Helpline – 0800 953 9777

• National domestic violence helpline for women – 0808 2000 247

• National domestic violence helpline for men – 0808 8010327

• NSPCC Female Genital Mutilation Helpline – 0800 028 3550

• In an emergency, always call the police on 999.

For more information about the work of Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together, please visit here.