Inside Salisbury: Turning the world orange against domestic abuse
Salisbury Soroptimists: 16 days of activism and Orange the World
by Annette J Beveridge
TWO women each week are killed by their partners in the UK and this year one organisation is taking steps to help prevent domestic abuse.
The Salisbury Soroptimists is organising a number of events and displays around the city as part of the worldwide campaign 16 days of Activism and 'Orange the World', which both aim to eliminate violence against women and girls.
Orange was chosen as a symbol of a brighter future and the aim is to create better awareness about the signs of domestic abuse.
Soroptimist President Michele Smith, said: “The Soroptimists aim is to educate, empower, and enable women and girls locally, nationally, and internationally. In November each year our Orange the World campaign coincides with the UN’s 16 days of activism against gender based violence.”
The UN 'UNITE!' campaign highlights the 25th of every month as '#OrangeDay' but on November 25, 6 days of activism begins as well as the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The 16 days of activism ends on 10 December (Human Rights Day).
Salisbury Soroptimists have been working on their project 'Making our City Safer' with the emphasis on improving safety for women and girls. This has included encouraging employers to train their staff in recognising the impacts of domestic abuse and introducing bystander training which gives people the tools to intervene in situations they might witness.
They also organised self-defence workshops. Other action includes identifying street lights which were not working and dark spaces where lighting could be improved. The results of these surveys were used by Wiltshire Council to commission a report to suggest mitigation strategies.
This year, the event will begin with the lighting of the Guildhall in orange on Monday, November, 25. Look out for new post box toppers around the city, as the skilful creators have been in action again! There will be table displays at Five Rivers, Waitrose and the Salisbury Library and Mothers’ Union branches are setting up displays in shop windows around the city, using empty shoes to represent women lost to domestic abuse.
There will also be posters in many parks.
Michelle added: “Our focus this year here in Salisbury, in collaboration with the Mothers’ Union, is on taking steps to prevent violence against women and girls, so you will find shoe-themed displays around the city, with QR codes that link to sources of help and advice for both the victims and concerned family or friends"
A special service will be held in Salisbury Cathedral at noon on Tuesday, November 19 supporting the UN Campaign for 16 Days of Activism against Domestic Abuse and Gender Violence.
On Wednesday, December 4 at 18.45, a special charity screening of 'Are you there God? It's me, Margaret' will take place at St John's Place in Lower Bemerton. This is a joint event with the Bemerton Film Society. All profits will go to Salisbury Women's Refuge.
Tickets £12 available on Eventbrite or on the door and will include mulled wine (or soft drink) and mince pies.
From Thursday, December 5 - Tuesday, December 10, look out for the tree decorated in orange at the St Thomas' Christmas Tree Festival highlighting domestic abuse and what can be done to prevent it.
Soroptimists will be in various coffee shops around the Market Square on the morning of Saturday 7th December.
During the 16 Days of Activism - Operation Awake, a joint initiative by Salisbury Soroptimists and Wiltshire Police, will be relaunched. This scheme, first launched in July 2023, provides support to local women in public life who are receiving abusive emails and social media posts.
For information about support services available for anyone suffering domestic abuse or to learn what you can do to help, please visit Salisbury Soroptimists’ website: https://sigbi.org/salisbury/club-projects/orange-the-world/domestic-abuse/