By Annabal Bagdi
Charities and support groups across Bolton will join forces for a 16-day international campaign calling for the eradication of domestic violence against women this week.
Raising awareness of gender-based violence acrossthe region, support groups and organisations will join forces for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign.
Beginning on November 25, the campaign will mark the start of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women before ending with Human Rights Day on December 10.
Coordinated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, the movement will see social housing charity Bolton at Home present a series of workshops.
Caroline Tosal-Suprun, Bolton at Home’s community development officer and women’s worker, said: “Violence against women is a global and societal problem affecting women and girls from all cultures and backgrounds.
“The events and workshops we are holding are all about giving women a voice, showing solidarity and being part of a wider support network.”
Supported by Bolton Council, the workshops aim to help women from all backgrounds gain greater confidence within a supportive and friendly environment.
Ms Tosal-Suprun added: “We’ve had some amazing success stories from previous workshops which have inspired people to feel something different and make positive changes.”
As part of the campaign, domestic abuse charity Paws for Kids have launched a pop-up shop within Crompton Place Shopping Centre.
Providing a safe haven for families escaping domestic violence, the North West charity offers temporary fostering services for pets of victims.
Paws for Kids Project Manager Carole Marsden said: “We rely heavily on the generosity of the local community and individuals who donate what they can to help people and their beloved pets build a brighter future.”
Until December 20, the shop will raise funds for the charity, while offering advice and support and displaying art projects centred on domestic violence.
Illustrating the importance of removing the barrier women hide behind in order to access support, Bolton at Home’s exhibition Beyond the Mask will showcase 350 designs created by women.
For more information and to book a place on the workshops, call Bolton at Home’s Gail Helme on 01204 329 576 or email [email protected].
Picture courtesy of jlhopgood via Flickr, with thanks.
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