A month long worldwide campaign to help put an end to domestic violence suffered by women, children and men around the world is underway, with residents in Wolverhampton urged to "step out" in support.
Local domestic violence charity The Haven Wolverhampton, which provides practical and emotional support to women and children affected by domestic violence, is holding a series of activities around the city to highlight the problem and the support which is available to people suffering as a result.
Two of The Haven's activities taking place during Domestic Violence Awareness Month include:
encouraging people to step out and take part in a community walk being organised in partnership with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC starting and finishing at Molineux Stadium on Saturday (8 October). To find out more, and to sign up to take part, please visit Type=links;Linkid=7637;Title=The Haven - Walk a Million;Target=_blank;
holding a series of activities for professionals who work with people who may be at risk of domestic violence, including bespoke training sessions
A wide range of organisations including the City of Wolverhampton Council are supporting these activities.
Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "The council and its partners are committed to preventing abuse in Wolverhampton, no matter what form it takes and who the victim may be.
"Domestic violence and abuse is something that we all need to be alert to. It can be a single, one off act or something that happens over weeks, months or years - and even if there is no physical injury, it doesn't mean that abuse has not occurred.
"When concerns are reported to the authorities, they will ensure that any abuse is thoroughly investigated and positive actions are put in place to ensure that our residents are properly protected.
"The activities taking place throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month act as the perfect lead in to Wolverhampton getting behind the forthcoming United Nations UN 16 Days of Activism to end violence against women and girls.
"The city will be actively supporting this UN campaign which begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and continues until Saturday 10 December, UN Human Rights Day."
Domestic violence is defined as any incident of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members.
The abuse can be by psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional and can affect women and men in heterosexual and same sex relationships, and across all cultures and religions.
Anyone suffering from domestic violence, or are concerned for the health and wellbeing of someone else, are urged to contact the City of Wolverhampton Council's Adults Social Care team on 01902 551199 or Children's Social Care on 01902 555392.
For direct help and support, contact The Haven Wolverhampton on 08000 194400 and for advice call Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum on 01902 555643. Local services will respond to female and male reports of domestic violence. There are also national advice helplines - for women 0808 2000247, and for men 0808 8010327.
In an emergency, always call police on 999.
- released: Wednesday 5 October, 2016