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The United Nations' Orange the World campaign takes place annually over 16 days between 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and 10 December, UN Human Rights Day.
Organisations across the city, from community groups and charities to schools and public sector bodies including the City of Wolverhampton Council, are being asked to "Orange Wolverhampton" - and by 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.
They can do this in a number of ways, from turning their websites and social media channels orange, changing the colour of their logo or sharing key messages about the campaign with staff, customers and service users, to holding orange cake sales, wearing orange clothing on "Go Orange" day (Friday 25 November) and sporting coloured ribbons throughout the 16 days of activism.
Among the organisations backing the campaign, launched by Wolverhampton's Safeguarding Boards, Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum and the council, are West Midlands Police.
Superintendent Keith Fraser, from Wolverhampton Police, said: "The Orange the World campaign is a simple but effective way to highlight the need to eliminate violence against women and girls.
"Unfortunately we see the impact of violence against women too regularly.
"I wanted to get behind this campaign and see what we could do, working with others to support the ending of violence against women and girls. The police will not only help to share the message, but we will also be taking proactive action to support the campaign.
"The best way to let violence continue is to stay silent; my appeal is if you have suffered violence or abuse report it, or if you know or suspect someone has, then report it.
"You can report it to the police via 999 in an emergency or 101 if your need is less urgent."
People who are worried about or are suffering from any form of domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, honour based violence or sexual violence can also contact the following helplines:
- 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
Alan Coe, Chair of Wolverhampton's Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children Boards, said: "I am pleased that West Midlands Police is playing a key role in our campaign to end violence against women and girls.
"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."
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=7295;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."
To find out more about the Orange Wolverhampton campaign, please visit Type=links;Linkid=7041;Title=Wolverhampton Safeguarding;Target=_blank;, which also provides a wealth of information and advice about safeguarding issues.
- released: Friday 11 November, 2016