As Orange Wolverhampton prepares to celebrate its 10th year, local partners are joining forces to support the city’s contribution to the United Nations’ annual Orange the World 16 Days of Activism.
Orange Wolverhampton aims to raise awareness of the continuing drive to end all domestic abuse, including physical abuse, coercive control, financial abuse, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called honour-based abuse, and stalking and harassment. Reinforcing the message that there is #NoExcuse for violence against women, girls, men and boys, local organisations including the City of Wolverhampton Council, The
Haven Wolverhampton, St. George’s House Charity, Wolverhampton Homes, Wolverhampton LGBT+, Birmingham LGBT, DORCAS and ROSHNI have joined together to highlight the advice and support which is available to victims of domestic abuse across Wolverhampton. Laura Rogers, CEO of women’s aid organisation The Haven Wolverhampton, said: “As the city's leading provider of domestic abuse services to women and children for more than 50 years, our purpose remains steadfast in supporting victims and survivors to be seen, heard and safe.
“We are fierce in our advocacy for local and global change and seek an end to domestic abuse in all forms, empowering victims to overcome their abuse to ensure they are not just surviving but thriving. We support Orange Wolverhampton, the city's contribution to the UN’s 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence and are proud to unite with community partners to spur action and play our part in ending abuse.”
Recognising that Orange Wolverhampton is focused on ending interpersonal violence against all individuals, whatever their gender, Fazia Bano, Chief Executive Officer of St. George’s House Charity, said: "We are calling attention to the unique challenges faced by male victims of domestic violence and abuse and their children across the city.
"It is vital to recognise that male victims often encounter additional barriers, from difficulty in recognising abuse, to accessing support services, and being believed by family, friends, and professionals. These obstacles can leave many suffering in silence.
“By raising awareness, we aim to reach other men who may be suffering and remind them help is available." Kay Bourne, Wolverhampton Homes' Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Champion, said: "Wolverhampton Homes is committed to supporting Orange Wolves and embraces the partnership work within the city to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
"Wolverhampton Homes achieved Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance gold accreditation in July, and this highlights our commitment to supporting our customers who are victims and survivors of abuse. Once again, we are looking forward to participating in Orange Wolverhampton by attending community engagement events, sharing information on social media and raising awareness within Wolverhampton Homes with a 'wear orange' day."
Alex Poller from Wolverhampton LGBT+ said: "As an organisation, Wolverhampton LGBT+ stands as part of Orange Wolverhampton.
“We offer free counselling to those that want or need the support regardless of their background, as well as more focused social support for those within the queer community." Steph Keeble, Director of Birmingham LGBT, added: "LGBTQ+ people are affected by domestic violence too.
“We offer culturally competent services to survivors of domestic abuse across the West Midlands and support the Orange Wolverhampton campaign to end all forms of gender-based abuse, and which takes a zero-tolerance approach to domestic abuse.” Surwat Sohail, Chief Executive Officer of ROSHNI, said: “Honour should never be used as a weapon.
“At ROSHNI Birmingham, we stand with survivors of honour-based abuse and say: there is no honour in violence, silence, abuse or control. Every voice deserves freedom. Every life deserves dignity.”
And Jaspreet Aujla, Operations Manager at DORCAS (Daughters, Optimistic, Respect, Courage, Assurance & Support), a specialist organisation working to end female genital mutilation, added: “We are proud to be part of this collective effort to raise awareness, challenge harmful practices, and advocate for the rights and safety of women and girls.
"Through education, community engagement, and survivor-led support, DORCAS continues to lead conversations and actions that drive real change. Together, we stand united in saying there is no place for gender-based violence in our communities.”
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Through close partnership working we have made significant progress in addressing gender-based violence, and the Orange Wolverhampton campaign is a great way for individuals and organisations to show that they are committed to tackling this issue, and highlighting where people can turn for help.”
