Peterborough says no more: Organisations promise to take action on domestic abuse

The ‘Peterborough says no more’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the many different forms of domestic abuse and how people and groups can help to tackle it.

Among the initiatives being promoted are support for the White Ribbon campaign which aims to eradicate violence against women by encouraging men to speak out and prevent abuse before it begins.

Among those to pledge to do more to help tackle domestic abuse is Jason Lunn, venue director for the East of England Arena and Events Centre, who is one of several people donning a White Ribbon pin today (White Ribbon Day).

He said: “When White Ribbon Day was brought to our attention we had no hesitation in recommending that the East of England Arena and Events Centre, and the East of England Agricultural Society, should give their wholehearted support to this campaign and help raise awareness of domestic violence, and specifically of male violence against women.

“We have now committed to becoming a White Ribbon accredited organisation and Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) accredited organisation too.

“Even the most casual research into domestic violence and male violence against women reveals a terrible national picture which has been undoubtedly exacerbated by Covid-19 and the ensuing lockdown.

“Every week in England and Wales two women are killed by a partner or ex-partner whilst 100 calls an hour are made to the police relating to domestic abuse.

“We must help to stop this epidemic. The sheer size of the problem means every part of our society must rise to this challenge, and here at the arena we are determined to play our role in supporting and amplifying this important campaign.

“I understand that ending male violence against women needs long-term structural and cultural change and that begins with individuals taking responsibility. So I am making this public pledge that I will never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

“By doing this as men, as individuals, and by supporting the White Ribbon promise as an organisation, we are communicating the urgent need to take action and change behaviour.

“Boys learn from the men they see, in their life, on television and in the media, and we are compelled to set an example. In our civilized society it is unacceptable to ignore, minimise or excuse the terrible violence visited on thousands of girls and women every year, and it must stop.”

City College Peterborough is another institute which is backing the campaign.

Principal Pat Carrington said: “I believe that we can all play a role in challenging attitudes towards violence in the home and show that domestic violence is totally unacceptable and a crime. In and through education we can seek to do this and help to bring about change.

“That’s why City College Peterborough will be backing the domestic abuse campaign and will introduce a domestic abuse policy for employees, bring it into our curriculum for discussion and debate, educate staff on signs of domestic abuse, and we will also look introduce White Ribbon Ambassadors.”

Peterborough-based white goods manufacturer Whirlpool is also backing the campaign and has pledged to look at its internal policies to support the cause.

Leading political figures including leader of Peterborough City Council Cllr John Holdich, and Peterborough MPs Paul Bristow and Shailesh Vara, are among those to be throwing their weight behind the campaign and supporting the White Ribbon cause.

The council is even putting up a White Ribbon flag today to mark the campaign launch.

Mr Bristow said: “Not everyone has a happy home. A rise in domestic violence has been one of the most distressing consequence of lockdowns during the Covid-19 crisis. Domestic abuse will affect one in three women in their lifetime. And this - as well domestic violence against men - is never acceptable.

“This is why I am pleased Peterborough City Council and the Peterborough Telegraph are taking a stand against domestic violence. To suffer abuse from the hands of your partner is truly horrific. Those who experience this must know help can be found.

“I am showing my support for the campaign and will always do what I can to help charities in and outside of Peterborough who tackle domestic violence.

Mr Vara said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the ‘Peterborough says no more’ campaign.

“Domestic abuse is an evil that is completely unacceptable and has no place in our society. It is also a tragedy that far too many offences go unreported with victims suffering in silence.

“I fully support this campaign and would encourage people to speak up against domestic violence.”

Moreover, Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Julie Spence, who is the Queen’s representative in the county, said: “I wholeheartedly support this campaign to end violence against women.

“No woman should have to endure physical assault or mental torment in this day and age. Every woman who is suffering needs to know that there are many great people and organisations who will help set them on a path free from violence and enable them to enjoy their life.”

Claire Higgins, chief executive of Peterborough’s largest housing association Cross Keys Homes, said: “Cross Keys Homes is deeply committed to supporting the victims of domestic violence. As members of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Partnership we work with all the relevant agencies to get victims the support they need, to leave their abuser and start their lives afresh.

“We are also part of a Cambridgeshire reciprocal agreement to house victims out of the area where necessary, while ensuring they do not lose their homes. We have domestic abuse champions within our support teams to provide specialist support and advice to victims and refer them to the right agencies.

“We have been determined to continue to help victims to move safely throughout the coronavirus crisis and have been able to provide them with the help they need to start their new lives.

“Our support also extends to our employees, and we are always here to give the time and guidance any employee needs. Our support is enshrined in our policies and we extend confidential emotional and practical support through our Employee Assistance Programme.”