25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day.

On this day, we ask men everywhere to recognise the necessity for them to stand up and take responsibility in working towards a future without violence against women. The first step towards this is wearing a white ribbon for the next 16 days (until Human Rights Day on 10 December. This is known as the 16 Days of Action) and making the promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

Along with wearing white ribbons, Trident Reach’s Domestic Abuse Service in South Derbyshire hosted a networking breakfast for local organisations and service users.

The event saw invaluable information given by The Safer Neighbourhood Scheme, Women’s Institute, South Derbyshire District Council’s Community Safety Partnership and the National Centre for Domestic Violence.

The event ended with a powerful testimony from a survivor of domestic abuse, who Trident Reach had supported. “Lisa” (name changed to protect identity) told of how a relationship that started off as great in 2014 then became slowly abusive when in 2016 she suffered a stroke. Her partner began a torrent of abuse until she had the courage to leave in 2019. Lisa suffered verbal, physical and sexual abuse at the hands of someone she thought would love and cherish her. During a relapse in her health, Lisa disclosed what she was going through to a team at the hospital. This is where a multi-agency approach to support came into place and Lisa managed to rebuild her life, free from abuse, with the help of her Support Worker, Lesley. Lisa has since enrolled onto programmes that help her in recognising the key characteristics of an abusive person as well as starting courses to aid her future plans of becoming a florist.

As the room gave Lisa a standing ovation, it became apparent how events such as this were important to be had for localised services so that providers can come together to learn more about their shared and combined passion to end domestic violence. The team are already looking forward to hosting more events to create further awareness.

To see photos from the event, please vie the gallery below: