Type=image;ImageID=16846;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Statue of Prince Albert wearing an orange sash;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=16847;ImageClass=right;ImageTitle=Lady Wulfruna has been given orange sash;TitleClass=strong;
The iconic statue in Queen Square is proudly sporting an orange sash in support of the annual 16 day campaign which began on Sunday (25 November).
And for the first time, he has been joined by Lady Wulfruna - with the statue of the founder of Wolverhampton which stands outside St Peter's Collegiate Church also wearing a sash in support of the campaign.
Businesses, community groups and individuals are organising a wide range of activities to raise awareness of gender based violence, primarily committed against women and girls, including domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called 'honour based' violence and sexual violence - and also the help and support that is available to victims in Wolverhampton.
Kathy Cole-Evans, Strategy Coordinator and General Manager of Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum, said: "It's great that we are able to use both of these iconic statues to promote this very important campaign to the people of Wolverhampton.
"There were over 6,500 incidents of domestic violence recorded by police in Wolverhampton in 2017 to 2018 and the vast majority of victims were women, so this is a major issue and one that we all need to be aware of.
"But the Orange Wolverhampton campaign is not just about highlighting the problem, but also ensuring that victims do not suffer in silence and are aware of and feel able to get the help and support they need."
Anyone suffering from domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called 'honour based' violence or sexual violence, or knows someone who is, should call the relevant helpline:
- The Haven Wolverhampton 24-hour helpline for women - 08000 194400
- St George's Hub support for male victims - 01902 421904
- National Domestic Violence helpline for women - 0808 2000 247
- National Domestic Violence helpline for men - 0808 8010327
- NSPCC FGM helpline - 0800 028 3550
- Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of so-called 'honour based' violence and forced marriage - 0800 5999 247
- Wolverhampton Adults Social Care - 01902 551199
- Wolverhampton Children's Social Care - 01902 555392
In an emergency, always call police on 999.
Meanwhile, people can visit the Orange Wolverhampton pop-up shop in the Wulfrun Centre on Thursday (29 November) from 10am to 4pm. Professionals from different organisations will be meeting shoppers at the shop, at the Cleveland Street entrance, to talk about ending violence against women and girls, and will be providing free leaflets, information, and advice along with orange ribbons for people to wear to show their support.
Orange Wolverhampton is the city's contribution to the United Nations' annual Orange The World campaign, which takes place every year between 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, and 10 December, UN Human Rights Day.
Councillor Hazel Malcolm, the City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "We are delighted to once again be supporting the United Nations' Orange the World campaign and turning Wolverhampton orange is an important part of our work to raise awareness of the issues and to make sure people know how to get the help and support they need."
To find out more about the Orange Wolverhampton campaign, which is championed and run by Wolverhampton Safeguarding Boards, the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership and Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum, please visit Type=links;Linkid=10998;Title=OrangeWolves;Target=_blank;.
Follow the Orange Wolverhampton campaign on Twitter and share your support and photos using the hashtag #OrangeWolves and by following Type=links;Linkid=9893;Title=WVsafeguarding;Target=_blank;, or via the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Boards' Type=links;Linkid=7295;Title=Facebook;Target=_blank; page.
- released: Tuesday 27 November, 2018