Events Across Devon Highlight Domestic Violence Week

Events across Devon highlight Domestic Violence Week

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Events across Devon this month will highlight the serious issue of Domestic Violence.

Domestic Violence Week this year is week commencing Monday 26 November (excluding North Devon and Torridge see Note to Editors)

8,200 incidents of domestic violence were recorded in Devon last year, with abuse being physical, psychological, sexual or financially related.

The figure shows just the tip of an iceberg though as people on average can suffer abuse more than 30 times before the abuse is reported. National estimates suggest that 1 in 10 adults will be a victim of domestic violence each year.

Support for survivors and families is provided by a range of agencies across Devon who work under the umbrella of the ADVA Devon partnership (Against Domestic Violence and Abuse in Devon), which is led by Devon County Council.

2007/08 has seen the highest levels of funding into domestic violence and abuse services in Devon since the partnership began in 2002, reaching £1.3 million.

The aim of Domestic Violence Week is to highlight the abuse and encourage people to report it. It is also to make people aware that support is available to victims and families, and to perpetrators who want to change their abusive behaviours.

Devon County Councillor Jill Owen, Chair of the ADVA Devon partnership, said:

“Domestic Violence is a real problem in Devon, as it is everywhere. Statistically one in every ten adults will be a victim of some sort of domestic abuse this year. But people don’t have to accept it. Help is available to people and in Devon we have a wide range of confidential support.”

In East Devon:

Monday 26 November - Official launch of the week. 2:30pm at the Open Door Centre, opposite the Magnolia shopping centre in Exmouth. The Mayor of Exmouth, Cllr Joy Whipps will perform the launch, with speeches and poems from survivors. There will be a minute’s silence for victims of domestic violence.

Tuesday 27 November - A quiz at the Park Hotel, Exeter Road, Exmouth. Donations from the Hotel management will be made towards the Safe Houses across Devon.

Throughout the week there will be displays of posters and leaflets across East Devon at sports centres, swimming pools, libraries, police stations, health centres, hospitals and GP practices. Work will also be undertaken with young people at youth centres.

For more information contact Gerry Moore, tel: 01395 273802

In Exeter

The Exeter Forum has organised a silent march on Monday 26 November. The starting point for the march is outside the old Debenhams building at 11:45am and the group will walk down to Bedford Square.

For more information contact Michael Miller, tel: 01392 265330

In Mid Devon

The Mid Devon Forum will have displays around the district, including Council offices, Tiverton Library, Connexions Tiverton, CHAT offices and others (to be advised). Crediton & Cullompton Community Centres will organise local awareness raising events and widely distribute leaflets and information material.

For more information contact Julia Ryder on 01884 234997.

In South Hams, West Devon and Teignbridge

Monday 26 November – A Silent March will depart from Okehampton Police Station at 12:30pm.

During the week there will be display stands to be placed in South Hams, Teignbridge and West Devon Council Reception areas and the Forum launch Pilot the J9 campaign in Totnes - stickers and information material will be placed in hairdressers and chemists promoting South Devon Women's Aid details. For more information, please contact Peter Dale on Tel: 01803 861278. Mobile: 07980 011895.

NOTE TO NEWS EDITORS

North Devon and Torridge districts have arranged their Domestic Violence Week as week commencing Monday 19 November. A separate press listing North Devon and Torridge events is available at