City campaign tackles violence in relationships

Thousands of people in Wolverhampton are expected to join events highlighting and tackling violence in relationships.

The annual Orange Wolverhampton campaign aims to raise awareness of the city's drive to end violence such as domestic abuse, forced marriage, harassment and stalking, said the city council.

Starting on 25 November for 16 days, it will highlight support available from organisations including The Haven and Karma Nirvana, and the council itself.

It has a "strong focus on ending interpersonal violence against all individuals" and coincides with initiatives run by the United Nations, the council said.

"The Orange Wolverhampton campaign is a great way for us to all say 'no' to interpersonal violence and help raise awareness of the advice and support available to victims and survivors in Wolverhampton," said Jasbir Jaspal, cabinet member for adults and wellbeing.

The authority hoped "thousands of people will get involved again this year" by holding or joining events, or visiting the information stand in the Mander Centre on 2 and 3 December.

Activities include "wear orange" days, while charities, businesses and other groups are set to turn their buildings, websites and social media channels orange.

Runners backing the campaign will take part in park runs at West Park and East Park, while the city's domestic abuse champions will talk to people in confidence about their concerns at Wednesfield Library on 29 November.

There will also be online and in-person events, craft workshops with Changing Lives and a round-table event for male survivors and organisation professionals hosted by St Georges' Hub welfare centre.

Other events include a workshop to help identify hidden male victims of honour-based violence, organisers said.

Events start with a flag-waving ceremony outside Wolverhampton Civic Centre at 11:00 BST on 25 November.

The initiative starts on UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs to 10 December, which has been earmarked as Human Rights Day.

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