Inside Salisbury: The fight against domestic abuse

Salisbury Soroptimists Orange Up the City for abuse prevention

Dec 21, 2024

by Annette J Beveridge

ONE woman is killed by a man every three days in the UK so one campaign organisation turned Salisbury orange for awareness and prevention.

The 16 Days of Activism was supported by Salisbury Soroptimists and a part of the United Nations Orange the World initiative to eliminate violence against women. With prevention in mind, it was illustrated by orange footsteps walking up a Christmas Tree as part of St Thomas’ Christmas Tree Festival.

Salisbury Soroptimists’ President, Michele Smith, said: ‘We are very grateful to Salisbury City Council for agreeing to light the Guildhall in orange for one night at the start of our campaign and for displaying our posters in parks around the city.

“We hope this will enable people to easily access information about support services and get the help they need. It is a difficult subject to talk about at any time, but in the run-up to Christmas, with the added family tensions this time of year can bring, it is important to provide everyone with information and support.”

Many businesses around the city also agreed to display posters with QR codes allowing anyone to access information about these services and displays at the library and Five Rivers Leisure Centre offered positive steps for people to be better informed about domestic abuse and available support.

Postboxes were topped with orange crocheted flowers and shoes to represent women killed by partners. In collaboration with Bemerton Film Society, an event held at St John’s Place in Lower Bemerton raised £330 from ticket sale profits which was donated to the Salisbury Women’s Refuge. Further donations were collected during the evening.

Orange tablecloths were also spread over some Market Place coffee shop tables to help point anyone with domestic abuse concerns in the right direction for support.

Salisbury Soroptimist, Liz Batten said: “If people are aware of the appalling statistics of the prevalence of domestic abuse - one in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, maybe they might take action when they see the signs and step in to prevent future abuse.”

A special service was organised by the Mothers’ Union Diocese of Salisbury Cathedral. The service was given by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Stephen Lake. Guest speaker Sam Murphy from Fear Free spoke about the organisation helping to support victims of domestic abuse around the country.

The Mothers’ Union Diocese of Salisbury Cathedral also helped the Soroptimists by setting up a display in St Thomas’ Church and distributing posters to businesses around the city centre.

For information about domestic abuse support services or if wanting to help out, please visit Salisbury Soroptimists’ website.

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