‘We will protect you from harm’ Hackney Council tells women experiencing domestic violence

Police officers at the launch of the campaign (Image: Archant)

Cllr Rebecca Rennison and Speaker of Hackney Rosemary Sales gave impassioned speeches on the town hall steps this afternoon, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The rally has launched 16 days of action against gender-based violence until Human Rights Day on December 10.

Posters have already gone up on bus stops around the borough, telling women and girls they “have the right not to be hurt”. Others aimed at perpetrators warn them they risk their freedom, home, job, family and reputation if they don’t stop.

Hackney Council's campaign to End Violence against Women and Girls was launched at the Town Hall today (Image: Archant)

Cllr Renninson, appointed by Mayor Glanville last month to advise him on how to end gender-based violence in Hackney, said: “This shouldn’t be a hidden crime – it should be talked about.

“We are making it clear to those experiencing domestic abuse they can come to us for help and making it clear to perpetrators it’s not acceptable and we won’t stand for it in Hackney.”

Last year there were 2,500 reported incidents of domestic abuse in Hackney, but the real number is believed to be much higher.

Cllr Rebecca Rennison (Image: Archant)

According to the Office for National Statistics, an estimated 28 per cent of women have experienced domestic abuse.

Cllr Sales told the rally: “Domestic violence affects people of all ages, of all classes, of all communities, of all religious groups. It affects us all and we can all experience it, as I’m sure many of us gathered here today have.

“One of the striking statistics is on average women suffer for two years until they take steps to deal with it. The reasons are many – one of course is the lack of resources and lack of alternatives, particularly if you have children, but another is the shame and embarrassment people feel when they experience it.

Hackney Council's campaign to End Violence against Women and Girls was launched at the Town Hall today (Image: Archant)

“We tend to blame ourselves and we tend to deny it.

“We need to make sure at least if we don’t eliminate violence this year or this day we make some very good steps in reducing it.”

There are also talks taking place in schools and youth clubs and public events, like the film screening Love You to Death: A Year of Domestic Violence at Homerton Library on Thursday at 6pm.

To contact the council anonymously and get help to stop abusive behaviour, call 020 8356 4458 or email dais@hackney.gov.uk.