Published on 25th November 2015

Close-up of two sets of hands - two people are sitting opposite each other

Residents, businesses, schools and other groups are being invited to unite and take a stand against violence, by wearing purple.

On 10 December 2015, Cheltenham will be joining countries all over the world in a campaign to end violence towards men, women and children.

People are being urged to wear purple clothes, accessorise rooms with purple ribbons, or even illuminate buildings with purple lighting, to show their support.

The 16 day campaign - which runs from 25 November to 10 December - is known as the international 16 days of activism against gender based violence.  In Cheltenham the council, Cheltenham Borough Homes, Oakwood and Gardners Lane federation, Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support service and CCP -  together with a number of partners - want to use this an opportunity to recognise all types of violence, which affects all types of people.

Councillor Rowena Hay, cabinet member for healthy lifestyles said:  ‘’Violence happens all over the world and can take many forms. Some people live with regular abuse and some have their human rights totally violated. 

‘’We have a number of agencies in Cheltenham which work together to make sure that people are well informed, make their own choices and feel safe.  This serious issue need to be tackled and we are pleased to do all we can to raise awareness.’’

Also as part of the campaign, an event will be hosted in the Brewery during the afternoon on 10 December (which is also World Human Rights Day) with speakers, promotional material and purple ribbons for people to take away. There will also be activities to keep the little ones entertained including crafts and face painting. 

 

 

For press enquiries contact: Katie Sandey, communications and web team leader, on 01242 775037 or email [email protected]

Cheltenham Borough Council is working with the following partners:

Cheltenham Borough Homes
County Community Projects
Gloucestershire Police
Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service
Gloucestershire University
The Brewery
Oakwood and Gardners Lane Federation

The campaign: 25th November to 10th December 2015

One in three women worldwide face abuse, violence and rape every day. In no country of the world are women free from this fear and terror. In Ireland, one in five women experience domestic violence during their lifetime, and it is estimated that 213,000 women in Ireland are living with severe abuse from their boyfriends, husbands and partners.

Why those dates?

The 16 Days of Action run from 25th November, UN International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10th December, Human Rights Day. The campaign spans these 16 Days in order to highlight the link between violence against women and human rights. Today, women and girls are subjected to many forms of human rights violations solely on the basis of their gender.

Cheltenham Borough Council and partners, decided to mark the campaign by highlighting the violence experienced by men, women and children.