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Merton Council is saying NO MORE to domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Merton Council launched its 16 Days of Activism against violence, abuse and sexual assault campaign on Tuesday 27 November with the theme for this year, ‘Merton says No More’.
Working in partnership with Merton police, the London Fire Brigade and partners, the council hosted a flag raising ceremony. The special UK SAYS NO MORE flag will be flying from outside the civic centre for the 16 days. The campaign also features a packed programme of events, professional training and raising awareness on social media.
Launched on White Ribbon Day, a campaign to end violence against women and in line with the international 16 days against gender-based violence, the 16 days against violence and abuse and sexual assault will run from 25 November until 10 December. Its goal is to shine a spotlight on issues including not only domestic violence, but also child sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation, sexual violence and forced marriage. It also signposts people who may need help, to organisations that can support them.
Cabinet Member for Children’s Services Cllr Kelly Braund and Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Equalities Cllr Edith Macauley with partners and officers supporting the international campaign against domestic violence and sexual assault.
People who experience domestic violence and abuse can visit the One Stop Shop. The drop-in service is open every Monday (except bank holidays) from 9.30am – 12noon at Morden Baptist Church and provides confidential support and advice from different agencies including victim support, and solicitors. Since it launched in 2010 the service has helped over 1,700 people.
Merton was the first London council to launch the Ask Angela initiative to provide a safe way for men and women to get the help they need if they feel threatened while on a night out in the borough. Bar staff have been specially-trained to help anyone who feels unsafe, get a taxi and leave discreetly.
Merton Council cabinet member for children’s services and council representative for action against domestic violence, Councillor Kelly Braund, said:
“Merton is proud to be working with its partners to continue its longstanding support of the international campaign against violence and sexual assault. Our message is clear, Merton says No More to domestic and sexual violence – too many domestic abuse incidents go unreported, so we want to make sure that people know they are not alone and help is available all year round. In Merton, that is through our free One Stop Shop, Victim Support, the police or one of our excellent partner organisations.
The council also has a specially trained victim support and domestic violence advisers who can help those in need and can be contacted on 020 7801 1777. Remember, in an emergency, call 999.
Zoe Gallen, Domestic Abuse Coordinator for Merton Council, was recently interviewed for the Winter 2018 issue of My Merton magazine, where she speaks about lesser-known forms of abuse, such as economic abuse, coercive control and forced marriage. Read the article here, on page 12.
