More than 16,000 women experienced domestic violence and abuse, sexual assault or stalking in Brighton and Hove last year.
This shocking figure comes as a programme of events is unveiled to mark 16 Days of Action to End Violence against Women and Girls running from November 25 – December 1o.
The individual, economic and social cost to the city of domestic and sexual violence and abuse alone is estimated to be £143 million per annum.
Events marking the 16 Days include the Reclaim the Night organised march through the city, a Living Library where you can meet ordinary people affected by domestic abuse and hear their stories, a public meeting highlighting the links between media sexism and the attitudes that underpin violence and discrimination against women and girls, as well as Charity Chuckle comedy night to Stand Up to End Violence Against Women at Komedia.
Sara (not her real name) was being assaulted by her ex-partner and describes reporting it to the police as one of the most challenging things she has ever had to do.
“I was convinced that I would be rejected. It t took me a very long time to even make it to the Police Station. Once there, I burst into tears and waited to speak to an officer. After making a long statement and having my pictures taken, I left feeling light as a feather and so glad that someone had listened to me and identified that something was wrong. From that point, he wasn’t able to make excuses or justify his actions. The silence was broken.
“Over time, the dust does settle. My ex-partner pleaded guilty, he was charged with two counts of assault and a restraining order was put in place. My next job was to focus on the children, they had been removed from his care and were hurting. They missed their father but they knew what he did was wrong. They had explained what had happened to our social worker without being prompted but it seemed bittersweet as all contact was cut off for months until it was deemed safe.
“RISE worked with my middle child to help her understand her position in all of this and how to remain safe and in control. Today she seems to grasp the challenges ahead of her, understand the family dynamic and what she can do to ensure she feels safe in all situations.”
Brighton & Hove has been awarded White Ribbon City status in recognition of its commitment to the White Ribbon Campaign (WRC), a global campaign to ensure men take more responsibility for reducing the level of violence against women.
Cllr Jason Kitcat, Brighton & Hove City Council Leader and chair of the Community Safety Forum, said: “Crimes like domestic violence, rape, forced marriage and sexual exploitation disproportionately effect women and are most often perpetrated by known men, to exert power and control. Nearly half of women are likely to experience such violence in their lifetime, and it is a cause and consequence of gender inequality and breach of human rights.
“It’s vital that all city partners work together to tackle domestic violence and abuse from educating school children about healthy relationships, providing direct advice and help to those affected or offering a refuge to those directly under threat.”
Dr Tom Scanlon, Brighton & Hove City Council Director of Public Health, concluded added: “The estimates for violence against women in Brighton & Hove are truly shocking. This is really a public health concern, and an issue that needs the co-ordinated efforts of police, the council, health and the voluntary sector if we want to tackle it effectively. This White Ribbon Campaign demonstrates our determination to do just that and I am very pleased that Brighton & Hove City Council is taking part.”
Brighton & Hove Chief Superintendent Neville Kemp concluded, saying: “Women are disproportionately the victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse and we are committed to a co-ordinated approach to tackle this abuse. Of course this does not mean other victims will receive any less of a service it just reflects our understanding of the complexities associated with violence against women. We are committed to providing protection and access to support for all victims of violence and abuse, and to bringing all offenders to justice”
The programme of events includes:
Reclaim the Night
Saturday November 16
6pm start at Brighton train station, ending with a rally at the Jubilee Library. FREE
Walk, roll, skate, dance and chat down the streets of Brighton to remind the city that we have every right to be safe on the streets at night. Reclaim the Night Brighton is open to people of all genders. THe march is trans* inclusive and those working in the sex industry to welcome to join in the fight for safer streets. Families are also welcome.
For those who think they’ll be marching at a slower pace there will be the option of space at the front of the march. A buddy system will be in place for those who don’t want to walk alone. If you would like to be allocated a buddy to attend the event with, send a facebook message to Brighton Feminist Collective or EMAIL:
Survivors’ Network Birthday Open Mic Evening
Sunday November 24
6a Pavilion Buildings, Brighton. 5-9pm. FREE, drinks and cake for donations.
To celebrate 23 years supporting survivors of sexual violence, Survivors’ Network will be hosting an open mic evening. Local performers will be singing, reading poetry, playing tunes and entertaining a cosy and enthusiastic audience.
For more information, CLICK HERE:
RISE Living Library – Putting People in the Picture
Thursday November 28
Jubilee Library, Brighton. 2–5.30pm. FREE
The RISE Living Library is established in the Brighton events calendar as ‘unmissable’. Go to the Living Library and speak informally with ‘Living Books’. Meet ordinary people affected by domestic abuse and discover stories of survival and hope. The event is free – all you need is curiosity and an open mind.
For more information, CLICK HERE:
Speak Out on Sexism
Thursday December 5
Sallis Benney Theatre, Brighton. Doors 7pm. Start 7.30pm. FREE
Highlighting links between media sexism and attitudes that underpin violence and discrimination against women and girls; supporting women in speaking out.
Speakers include Melissa Benn, Lucy-Anne Holmes from No More Page 3, Lili from the Twitter Youth Feminist Army, Holly Dustin from End Violence Against Women, Lia Latchford from Imkaan and Jean Calder from For Our Daughters.
Performances by singer Sophie Pointer, comedian Kate Smurthwaite and poet Sabrina Mahfouz. Compered by Caroline Lucas MP and hosted by Brighton Women’s Voices.
Charity Chuckle – Stand Up to End Violence Against Women
Tuesday December 10
Komedia, Brighton. Doors 7pm, show 8pm. Tickets: £15 or £10 concessions. Book at the Komedia Box Office or online.
Celebrate the grand finalé of 2013’s #16Days with a night of top-notch comedy. Raising awareness and funds for Rise and Survivors’ Network, it’s guaranteed to put the fun into fundraising! Featuring TV’s Sara Pascoe, Zoe Lyons, Katherine Ryan, Angela Barnes and more. Book now! 16+
For more information, CLICK HERE: www.charitychuckle.co.uk
The Philippines chief negotiator, Yeb Sano, opened the UN climate talks in Warsaw last week with a plea for action, and announcing a hunger strike in solidarity for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. In a speech that moved negotiators and observers across the conference centre to tears, Sano said governments had to take notice of what was happening in his country as they were making their decisions over the coming fortnight. Brighthelm Trustee Sally Barnard says: “The vigil is designed to show that Brighton is right behind Yeb Sano in demanding that our governments wake up to the risks of uncontrolled climate change, while responding to the devastation it is already causing.” The idea came from climate campaigning organisation 350.org which is organising coordinated action around the world to show backing for Yeb Sano’s stand, and delivered a petition signed by over 600,000 people collected in only a week. As it enters its final day, progress at the Warsaw talks is still stalled, with negotiations moving at a very slow pace. Anyone who is interested in showing their solidarity with the Philippines and demanding action by politicians is invited to join the half hour vigil at Brighthelm today, starting at 1.00pm. What: #WeStandWithYou Vigil Where: In Brighthelm Garden, Brighthelm Church and Community Centre North Road, Brighton When: Friday, November 22, Time: 1:00-1.30 PM 
Two of London’s busiest HIV and sexual health clinics will be joining forces on Wednesday November 27 for European HIV Testing Week to offer on the spot HIV testing to even more people.
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