City to turn Orange and say ‘No’ to interpersonal violence

Residents, businesses, schools, faith groups, charities and other organisations are once again being encouraged to 'Orange Wolverhampton' between 25 November and 10 December as the city says ‘No’ to interpersonal violence.

In doing so, they will help raise awareness of Wolverhampton’s continuing drive to end domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour-based’ violence, sexual violence and stalking and harassment.

At the same time, they will be highlighting the help and support that is available to victims from local and national organisations such as The Haven, Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum, St George's Hub, Karma Nirvana and the City of Wolverhampton Council.

The Orange Wolverhampton campaign, primarily taking place virtually this year, is held annually between 25 November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and 10 December, UN Human Rights Day – and supports the United Nations’ Orange the World campaign to end violence against women and girls.

Over 100 organisations in Wolverhampton took part last year, holding wear orange days, turning their websites and social media channels orange, sharing key messages about the campaign with staff, customers and service users, lighting their buildings orange, flying orange flags and much more. Thousands of people also showed their support by wearing orange ribbons throughout the 16-day campaign.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "The Orange Wolverhampton campaign gets bigger and better each year, with thousands of people showing their support in one way or another – and it's great that so many people want to play their part and say no to interpersonal violence.

"The campaign will obviously be different this year due to the national Covid-19 restrictions, however we will be continuing to raise awareness of interpersonal violence online and via social media – and there are still many ways in which you can get involved and help highlight this important issue.”

The Orange Wolverhampton campaign is coordinated by Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together, the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership, Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum and the City of Wolverhampton Council.

Sally Roberts, Chair of Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together Executive group, said: "The colour orange symbolises a brighter future and a world free from gender-based violence, and the Orange Wolverhampton campaign is an important part of our work to make sure victims know how to get the help and support they need. Please get involved and together let’s turn Wolverhampton Orange.”
For more information and to sign up to this year’s campaign, please visit the Orange Wolverhampton website at www.orangewolves.net. Details of events and resources are being added to the website as they are confirmed.

Anyone suffering from domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour-based’ violence or sexual violence, or knows someone who is, should call the relevant helpline:

• The Haven Wolverhampton 24-hour helpline for women - 08000 194400
• Haven Counselling helpline - 08000 308 345 (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Friday 9am–2pm)
• Haven online Live Chat (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
• St George’s Hub support for male victims - 01902 421904
• Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of so-called ‘honour-based’ violence and forced marriage - 0800 5999 247
• Wolverhampton Adult Social Care - 01902 551199
• Wolverhampton Children's Social Care - 01902 555392
• West Midlands Forced Marriage and Honour-Based Violence Helpline - 0800 953 9777
• National Domestic Violence helpline for women - 0808 2000 247
• National Domestic Violence helpline for men - 0808 8010327
• NSPCC Female Genital Mutilation helpline - 0800 028 3550
• In an emergency, always call police on 999.

For more information about the work of Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together, please visit www.wolverhamptonsafeguarding.org.uk.