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How can you help end violence against women? (November 21)

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Domestic abuse can affect anyone.

However figures from the Office for National Statistics show women are more likely to experience abuse than men.

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November, and the #16days of activism that follow we look at some ways you can make a difference to help end violence against women.

1. Listen to and believe survivors

When a woman shares her story of violence, she takes the first step to breaking the cycle of abuse. It’s on all of us to give her the safe space she needs to speak up and be heard. Survivors of violence are speaking out more than ever before, and everyone has a role to play to ensure they can have justice.

Don’t say, “Why didn’t she leave?”

Do say: “We hear you. We believe you. We stand with you.

Believe-survivors

2.Teach the next generation and learn from them

We provide programmes for young people affected by domestic abuse and believe in educating and offering our support to prevent the cycle of domestic violence perpetuating in their own families and relationships.

The examples we set for the younger generation shape the way they think about gender, respect and human rights. Start conversations about gender roles early on, and challenge the traditional features and characteristics assigned to men and women. Point out the stereotypes that children constantly encounter, whether in the media, on the street or at the school, and let them know that it’s OK to be different. Encourage a culture of acceptance.

Services

3.Know who to turn to. Find out what services are in your local area

Services for survivors are essential services. Find out what services are available across Kent by visiting www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk

Other useful contacts:

National Domestic Abuse Helpline 24hrs 0808 2000 247

Men’s Advice Line (Respect) 0808 801 0327

Support for honour based abuse/ arranged marriage (Karma Nirvana) 0800 599 9247

LGBT+ Helpline (Galop) 0800 999 5428

Deaf Helpline (SignHealth ) 0207 3947 2601 or text 07970 350666

4.Understand consent and stand against rape culture

Rape culture is the social environment that allows sexual violence to be normalized and justified, fuelled by the persistent gender inequalities and attitudes about gender and sexuality. Naming it is the first step to dismantling rape culture.

Freely given, enthusiastic consent is mandatory, every time.

Rather than listening for a “no,” make sure there is an active “yes,” from all involved. Adopt enthusiastic consent in your life and talk about it.

Phrases like “she was asking for it” or “boys will be boys” attempt to blur the lines around sexual consent, placing blame on victims, and excusing perpetrators from the crimes they have committed

5.Learn the signs of abuse and how you can help

There are many forms of abuse and all of them can have serious physical and emotional effects. If you’re concerned about a friend who may be experiencing violence or feels unsafe around someone, review these signs and learn about the ways to help them find safety and support.

You are not alone

6.Start a conversation

People often feel awkward about ‘taking sides’ and try to keep out of a situation, believing it is not really any of their business. Friends and family may think that they are being ‘neutral’, but the abuser usually takes this as evidence that their behaviour is acceptable. In addition, an abused person can easily interpret the ‘neutrality’ of those closest to them as blame for the situation.

Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation that’s been perpetuated for decades.

It’s pervasive, but it’s not inevitable, unless we stay silent. Don’t wait for your abused friend to tell you about the situation. Bring the subject up yourself when you are in a safe location.

Show your solidarity with survivors and where you stand in the fight for women’s rights by oranging your social media profile for the 16 Days of Activism starting 25 November – you can download banners for Facebook and Twitter here

7.Fund women’s organizations 

Supporting local organizations that empower women, amplify their voices, support survivors, and promote acceptance of all gender identities and sexualities.

If you would like to arrange fundraising for Rising Sun, set up a regular gift or make a one off donation contact Judith: judith@risingsunkent.com

8.Hold each other accountable 

Violence can take many forms, including sexual harassment in the workplace and in public spaces.

Take a stand by calling it out when you see it: catcalling, inappropriate sexual comments and sexist jokes are never okay.

Create a safer environment for everyone by challenging your peers to reflect on their own behaviour and speaking up when someone crosses the line, or by enlisting the help of others if you don’t feel safe.

 


Changes to how you can get in touch (October 2021)

We are proud to have adapted our services to meet the needs of our survivors and supporters during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the first lockdown we were unable to provide face to face support and instead offered a helpline service from 9am-5pm to deliver assistance for anyone in need of immediate support or advice.

In the year April 2020 to March 2021 we responded to 872 calls from survivors. Calls peaked over the summer of 2020 with over 100 calls from survivors received in July 2020.

As Covid restrictions have eased our specialised staff have been able to work with clients in person again. Alongside this we have seen a significant increase in demand for our other services and our team are busy responding to referrals and supporting clients. We have reopened our One Stop Shops face to face in Canterbury, Herne Bay and Folkestone, where clients can drop-in and speak to someone for immediate advice. Unfortunately, this has meant we no longer have capacity to offer a helpline staffed by domestic abuse experts as well as deliver our day to day frontline work.

Therefore our helpline will be changing back to a standard office phone line from the 11th October 2021. The main purpose of the office phone line will be to respond to general enquiries about our services and how to access support.

If you need specific, specialist advice and support for yourself, a friend or a client, you will still be able to reach us on our usual number from 9am-5pm. We will take your details and find the right person to get back to you.

You can also call the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 if you need advice immediately. In an emergency please call 999.

All our other domestic abuse services will continue to operate as usual. Thank you for your understanding as we make this transition.

 

Further information about support and services

Rising Sun Office Phone Line 01227 452 852
Information about Rising Sun’s Services(We cover Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone & Hythe and Swale.) http://www.risingsunkent.com/get-help/
To make a referral to Rising Sun Download a referral form on our website (http://www.risingsunkent.com/contact/) and email it to referrals@risingsunkent.com or call our office phone line to complete a referral over the phone.
Information about domestic abuse services across Kent https://www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk/
24-hour National DA Helpline 0808 2000 247
In an emergency call 999
Canterbury One Stop Shop Thursdays: 9:30am – 12:30pmPrince of Wales Youth Club, 23 Military Road, Canterbury, CT1 1YX
Herne Bay One Stop Shop Last Tuesday of the month: 9:30am – 12:30pmPoppy Children Centre, Memorial Park, King’s Road, Herne Bay, CT6 5RG
Folkestone One Stop Shop Thursdays: 12:30pm – 2:30pmFolkestone Library, Grace Hill, Folkestone, CT20 1HD07375 261 215
Ashford One Stop Shop (via telephone) Tuesdays: 9.30am-12.30pm07765 897 211
Other Domestic Abuse Services in Kent
Clarion (South and North Kent) 07376 637 069www.myclarionhousing.com
DAVSS (West Kent) 01892 570 538www.davss.org.uk
Look Ahead (West Kent) 03330 104 660www.lookahead.org.uk
Oasis (East Kent) 07856 856 278www.oasisdaservice.org
SATEDA (Swale) 01795 417 251www.sateda.org
Victim Support 0808 168 9111www.victimsupport.org.uk/what-we-do/local-services/south-east/kent

Launch of Project Liberty Accommodation (June 2021)

  • Bedroom 1
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  • Rosie Fran Tim

It was an honour to make the most of the sunshine and welcome donors,  local services and MP for Canterbury Rosie Duffield for the launch of accommodation for Project Liberty, based in Canterbury. After a year and a half spent fundraising and renovating the house we are delighted to provide safe accommodation for 16-24 year old girls from Kent who are pregnant, experiencing domestic abuse and at risk of becoming homeless.

Deputy Lieutenant, Trustee of Brook Trust, and Chair of Kent Community Foundation Tim Brook gave a speech thanking local services for all the work they have done during the COVID pandemic.  Rosie Duffield, MP for Canterbury cut the ribbon to open the house saying “ I am so pleased to have the opportunity to meet the team and some former residents who illustrated just how important these services are and how their experiences transformed their situations and shaped their futures.”

From this summer, 5 young women will live in the secure home and develop the skills they need to lead independent lives and find long-term homes for themselves and their children. No other service like this exists locally, and this group of vulnerable young women is at high risk of abuse, exacerbated by COVID 19 lockdown restrictions.

At the same time, Project Liberty will also host supportive group programmes for young women who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic abuse.  Allowing women from East Kent to access the support of their peers whilst learning about domestic abuse in a safe, friendly environment.

Fran Ellis, Rising Sun’s Chief Executive Officer, who hosted the events said, “We are thrilled to launch this service, especially after such a difficult year from COVID. This house will help young women from Kent feel safe, increase their resilience and build a better future for themselves and their children.  Thank you to everyone who has helped us provide this much needed help to young women in need of support.”

Read more about Project Liberty accommodation here 

Photo credit Emma Threadingham

 

 


Rising Sun wins High Sheriff Award (April 2021)

We were delighted to meet with High Sheriff Remony Millwater to accept a High Sheriff Award in recognition of all the work that we did to support Domestic Abuse survivors during the COVID19 lockdowns.

By moving our one to one work, support groups and one stop shops online we were able to continue to meet the needs of our service users.  The challenges of supporting domestic abuse survivors remotely has been hard wok for our team and we are so proud to have this achievement publicly recognised.

Some of our team met with Remony to discuss the support we provide and to accept the award which is now proudly on display on our office.

 

Award