A domestic abuse campaign called 'Silence Kills' has bee launched in partnership with Ealing Police and college students.
Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College (EHWLC) students and Ealing Police, are spearheading the new campaign which aims to empower victims to seek help.
The initiative is part of the Metropolitan Police Service Community Ambassador Programme, and hopes to raise awareness of domestic abuse through a workshop to be held on February 28 at EHWLC.
Ealing Police will join forces with the Community Ambassador Programme, Ealing Council, support partners and local agencies to provide a half-day workshop where the community are able to have their say, be heard and ensure the police are able to respond more effectively to cases of domestic abuse in the borough.
The aim of the workshop is to raise awareness of domestic abuse and empower victims to seek help. The event will provide a safe and confidential environment to express views and experiences, while providing attendees with powerful tools to recognise, address and combat all types of abuse. The workshop is part of the 'Silence Kills' campaign developed by the students at the college.
Superintendent Colin Wingrove said: “I firmly believe that within our communities are the ideas and answers to achieving a change in the attitude towards domestic abuse to protect vulnerable victims.
"The Community Ambassadors Programme is helping us to bring everyone together to discuss these issues and explore ways in which services for victims can adapt and improve. It improves our understanding of the cultural challenges that we face, but also helps us to provide solutions and improve the confidence of victims to come forward and not suffer in silence.”
Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College student, Patrycja Brzoza said: "Too many people are not taking domestic abuse seriously even though they may know someone who is suffering. We need to raise awareness that any incident of violence or abuse is everyone’s problem as opposed to believing that it remains behind “someone else’s” closed door."
Partners involved in the workshop include – iCAN, Southall Community Alliance, Refuge, Voluntary Services London, Southall Black Sisters, Ealing Council, Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College, Catalyst Housing, Ealing Community and Voluntary Service, Refuge Eastern European Advocacy, Homes for Women, Hestia, Women and Girls Network, Homes for Women and the NHS.
The workshop takes place on Saturday February 28 at Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College, Beaconsfield Road, Southall. The free event will run between midday and 4.30pm under the 'Silence Kills - Tackling Domestic Abuse Locally' banner.
