The council will also be supporting White Ribbon Day (25 Nov) and 16 Days of Action (25 Nov-10 Dec)
Dover District Council (DDC) is taking to the road this month to bring support and advice to communities about safeguarding and how to spot domestic abuse.
DDC will be at locations across the district in the Community Roots van with partners including Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, NHS One You and Kent County Council.
The week of action is in support of the national Safeguarding Adults Week, which runs from 20-24 November, raising awareness of important safeguarding issues and how to recognise signs of abuse and neglect.
DDC officers and partners will be giving advice on general safeguarding as well as how to look out for family, friends and neighbours.
Information will be available about domestic abuse, support services, community safety, health and wellbeing, warm spaces in the district and how to report anti-social behaviour to DDC.
Residents will also be able to pick up freebies including personal alarms and torches.
One of the events will be led by DDC’s Community Safety Unit with a focus on safety in the autumn and at Christmas.
Dates and locations:
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Monday, 20 November from 9.30am-11am at Tesco, Whitfield
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Tuesday, 21 November from 10am-1pm at the Co-op in Sandwich
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Wednesday, 22 November from 10am-1pm at Market Square, Dover – Safer Autumn and Christmas with the CSU
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Thursday, 23 November from 10am-12pm at Aylesham Health Centre (Heritage Road)
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Friday, 24 November from 10am-1pm at Deal Town Hall and 2pm-4pm at Marke Wood.
The week of action culminates with the launch of White Ribbon Day on Saturday, 25 November, which DDC will be supporting once again.
The global movement pushes to end violence against women and this year’s theme is Change The Story, for women and girls to live their lives free from fear of harassment, abuse and violence.
White Ribbon Day marks the beginning of 16 Days of Action, which runs until 10 December.
Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Service is leading the county’s 16 Days of Action: End Domestic Abuse campaign with the theme Know, See, Speak Out which encourages people to learn how to recognise the signs of abuse and help signpost victims to support.
DDC will be supporting the campaign by spreading the word on how communities, individuals and businesses can help bring a victim to safety.
Cllr Charlotte Zosseder, DDC’s cabinet member for community, said: “Ending violence against women as well as stopping domestic abuse is everyone’s business so we need people to know how to take action. This is both within communities and in the workplace.
“The more people know about the Know, See, Speak Out campaign, the more people we can help.
“Domestic abuse, in many cases, can be hidden and can be both physical and emotional. As a council we must be doing everything we can to heighten awareness and equip people with the knowledge to spot the signs and direct victims to safety.”
Anyone seeking support for domestic abuse please see www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk or call 0808 1689111.
For further information and support see www.dover.gov.uk/Community/Community-Safety/Crime-safety-advice/Domestic-abuse.aspx
Notes to editors
2.4 million people in England and Wales experience domestic abuse every year and last year 5% of adults experienced domestic abuse.
The Know, See, Speak campaign encourages people to know what domestic abuse is, see what change they can make, and speak out and signpost people to support.
Posted on 14 November 2023