The United Nations' Orange the World campaign takes place annual over 16 days between 25 November, which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and 10 December, UN Human Rights Day.
Organisations across the city, from small community groups and charities to schools and large public sector bodies including the City of Wolverhampton Council and West Midlands Police, are being asked to "Orange Wolverhampton" and in doing so not only raise awareness of violence against women and girls, but also the help and support that is available to victims in Wolverhampton.
Alan Coe, Chair of Wolverhampton's Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children Boards, said: "Violence against women and girls in any of its forms is illegal and totally abhorrent, and the Safeguarding Boards and our partners are committed to working together to identify and support anyone who is the victim of such violence.
"The colour orange symbolises a brighter future and a world free from violence against women and girls, and 'Turning Wolverhampton Orange' is an important part of our work to raise awareness of these issues and make sure people know how to get the help and support they need."
Organisations are invited to use a range of ways to Orange Wolverhampton during the 16 days of action including turning their websites and social media channels orange or changing the colour of their logo, sharing key messages about the campaign with staff, customers and service users, holding orange cake sales, lighting their buildings orange, flying orange flags and more.
Individuals can don orange clothing on "Go Orange" day - Friday 25 November - as well as wearing orange ribbons throughout the 16-day campaign.
People backing the campaign are encouraged to show their support on social media using the hashtag #orangewolves and by tagging @wvsafeguarding in the conversation. Alternatively, please share photos with the Safeguarding Boards via Type=links;Linkid=6716;Title=Facebook;Target=_blank;.
Alan added: "There are so many ways organisations and individuals can get involved and we're hoping the people of Wolverhampton will show their support for the campaign."
Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Through close partnership working we have made significant progress in addressing violence against women and girls, developing more effective ways of working together and implementing Wolverhampton's Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub which is further improving the way agencies respond to safeguarding concerns.
"The Go Orange campaign is a great way for Wolverhampton to show we are committed to ending violence against women and girls, and highlighting where people can turn to if they are affected by the issue in any way."
Anyone worried about or suffering from any domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, honour-based violence or sexual violence should call the relevant helpline:
- Wolverhampton Adults Social Care team on 01902 551199
- Wolverhampton Children's Social Care on 01902 555392
- The Haven Wolverhampton 24 hour Helpline for women and men on 08000 194400
- National Domestic Violence helpline for women on 0808 2000 247
- National Domestic Violence helpline for men on 0808 8010327
- NSPCC FGM Helpline on 0800 028 3550
- Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of honour violence and forced marriage 0800 5999 247.
In an emergency, always call police on 999.
To find out more about the Orange Wolverhampton campaign, please visit Type=links;Linkid=7041;Title=Wolverhampton Safeguarding;Target=_blank;, which is also provides a wealth of information and advice about safeguarding issues.
- released: Friday 21 October, 2016