Congleton Town Council had a stall in the town centre to mark the end of the ’16 days of action’ to eradicate violence against women that started with White Ribbon Day on the 25th November. The Town Council is White Ribbon Accredited and aims to stamp out all gender-based abuse and violence in Congleton. The table was staffed by councillors, officers and White Ribbon Ambassadors from the community.
Cllr Robert Hemsley, Chair of Congleton Town Council’s White Ribbon Group, said: “It was a cold, wet day, but good that many people stopped to chat to the team. Sadly, Christmas time is a peak period for domestic violence and abuse, and the COVID pandemic has also seen a rise in calls to helplines, so we thought it was important to be out, whatever the weather”.
Cllr Kay Wesley, Chair of the Community and Environment Committee, added: “We spoke to a number of people who were survivors of domestic abuse, or knew a friend or relative who had been. Some spoke of escalating violence at Christmas, and others mentioned ongoing trauma due to historic abuse at this time of year. A couple of people expressed an interest in volunteering to become White Ribbon Ambassadors too, which is great.”
There is a 24/7 Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or for anyone concerned for others. The hub can be contacted on 0300 123 5101 or text 07777 941464. The hub can also put the caller in contact with the weekly Domestic Abuse Clinics held in Congleton providing support and advice.
