Archive Council News

24.11.04

Balloon Release Highlights Domestic Abuse in Wrexham

147 white balloons, representing the number of women and children who have fled domestic violence and found help at Wrexham Women’s Refuge this year, will be released from Queen’s Square on Thursday afternoon (November 25).

The event marks International Day Against Violence Against Women and the symbolic White Ribbon Day.

Representatives from the local Action Through Partnership will be available to talk to on Queen’s Square on Thursday afternoon. The aim is to raise public awareness of domestic abuse and encourage victims of domestic abuse to seek help. Volunteers will also be at Asda Wrexham all day on Thursday.

The White Ribbon symbolises that the wearer will not commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

Organiser Christine Elmitt said:

"We are inviting women, men and children to wear the ribbon and break the silence. Members of Action Through Partnership will be promoting the campaign throughout Wrexham by asking people to support the campaign by wearing the white ribbon, which will be given freely.

"The theme for this year’s White Ribbon Campaign is the impact of violence on women’s health. Beyond the immediate physical and emotional effects, it has been shown that violence increases women’s future risk of various psychological, emotional, behavioural and physical ailments.

"We hope that people will support us and come and have a chat down at ASDA or Queen’s Square to find out more about the work that we do."

Welsh Women’s Aid have reported that 1 in 10 women is severely beaten by her partner and 25% of attacks occur while a woman is pregnant. On average 49 women contact them each day because they have experienced domestic abuse.

THE WALES DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE is: 080 880 10 800