We’ve launched a fundraising campaign for the 16 Days of Action

www.justgiving.com/campaign/risingsun16daysofaction

Every year beginning on 25th November, all over the world, calls to end violence against women and girls are made loud and clear during the 16 Days of Action – a campaign that starts on the Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and finishes on 10th December, International Human Rights Day.

Because domestic abuse is a Human Rights issue. Everyone has the right not to be treated in an inhuman and degrading way. Everyone has the right to physical and psychological integrity. Everyone has the right to life.

But, on average 2 women a week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales. 1 in 4 women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime. The police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds.

This all costs. Not just the huge and long lasting emotional cost to survivors and families. But to all of us. A recent report found that in 2022, the economic and social cost of domestic abuse in England was just under £78 billion. The UK Government says it wants to tackle domestic abuse, but right now, the funding is not supporting specialist domestic abuse services that survivors desperately need.

Services like Rising Sun that provide a trauma informed, needs led and strength based approach, are a lifeline to survivors. We believe and validate survivors. We put the survivor at the heart and build responses around her needs and strengths.

All our specialist services are available to survivors free of charge, like our counselling service. We’ve learnt from our survivors that they have felt invisible and misunderstood when they have received generic counselling from statutory services, as they don’t understand the dynamics and subtleties of domestic abuse. But our one to one specialist counselling provides what they need.

£20 could help Rising Sun to provide 1 hour of specialist one to one counselling

In order to provide our specialist service, we rely on the generosity of our local community and funders to enable us to continue being there for more than 1,800 survivors every year.

We are so grateful for any donation that you are able to give to Rising Sun to support us to support women and families who need us.

Domestic abuse can affect anyone.

However figures from the Office for National Statistics show women are more likely to experience abuse than men.

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November, and the #16days of activism that follow we look at some ways you can make a difference to help end violence against women.

1. Listen to and believe survivors

When a woman shares her story of violence, she takes the first step to breaking the cycle of abuse. It’s on all of us to give her the safe space she needs to speak up and be heard. Survivors of violence are speaking out more than ever before, and everyone has a role to play to ensure they can have justice.

Don’t say, “Why didn’t she leave?”

Do say: “We hear you. We believe you. We stand with you.

2.Teach the next generation and learn from them

We provide programmes for young people affected by domestic abuse and believe in educating and offering our support to prevent the cycle of domestic violence perpetuating in their own families and relationships.

The examples we set for the younger generation shape the way they think about gender, respect and human rights. Start conversations about gender roles early on, and challenge the traditional features and characteristics assigned to men and women. Point out the stereotypes that children constantly encounter, whether in the media, on the street or at the school, and let them know that it’s OK to be different. Encourage a culture of acceptance.

3.Know who to turn to. Find out what services are in your local area

Services for survivors are essential services. Find out what services are available across Kent by visiting www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk

Other useful contacts:

National Domestic Abuse Helpline 24hrs 0808 2000 247

Men’s Advice Line (Respect) 0808 801 0327

Support for honour based abuse/ arranged marriage (Karma Nirvana) 0800 599 9247

LGBT+ Helpline (Galop) 0800 999 5428

Deaf Helpline (SignHealth ) 0207 3947 2601 or text 07970 350666

4.Understand consent and stand against rape culture

Rape culture is the social environment that allows sexual violence to be normalized and justified, fuelled by the persistent gender inequalities and attitudes about gender and sexuality. Naming it is the first step to dismantling rape culture.

Freely given, enthusiastic consent is mandatory, every time.

Rather than listening for a “no,” make sure there is an active “yes,” from all involved. Adopt enthusiastic consent in your life and talk about it.

Phrases like “she was asking for it” or “boys will be boys” attempt to blur the lines around sexual consent, placing blame on victims, and excusing perpetrators from the crimes they have committed

5.Learn the signs of abuse and how you can help

There are many forms of abuse and all of them can have serious physical and emotional effects. If you’re concerned about a friend who may be experiencing violence or feels unsafe around someone, review these signs and learn about the ways to help them find safety and support.

6.Start a conversation

People often feel awkward about ‘taking sides’ and try to keep out of a situation, believing it is not really any of their business. Friends and family may think that they are being ‘neutral’, but the abuser usually takes this as evidence that their behaviour is acceptable. In addition, an abused person can easily interpret the ‘neutrality’ of those closest to them as blame for the situation.

Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation that’s been perpetuated for decades.

It’s pervasive, but it’s not inevitable, unless we stay silent. Don’t wait for your abused friend to tell you about the situation. Bring the subject up yourself when you are in a safe location.

Show your solidarity with survivors and where you stand in the fight for women’s rights by oranging your social media profile for the 16 Days of Activism starting 25 November – you can download banners for Facebook and Twitter here

7.Fund women’s organizations 

Supporting local organizations that empower women, amplify their voices, support survivors, and promote acceptance of all gender identities and sexualities.

If you would like to arrange fundraising for Rising Sun, set up a regular gift or make a one off donation contact Judith: judith@risingsunkent.com

8.Hold each other accountable 

Violence can take many forms, including sexual harassment in the workplace and in public spaces.

Take a stand by calling it out when you see it: catcalling, inappropriate sexual comments and sexist jokes are never okay.

Create a safer environment for everyone by challenging your peers to reflect on their own behaviour and speaking up when someone crosses the line, or by enlisting the help of others if you don’t feel safe.

We are proud to have adapted our services to meet the needs of our survivors and supporters during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the first lockdown we were unable to provide face to face support and instead offered a helpline service from 9am-5pm to deliver assistance for anyone in need of immediate support or advice.

In the year April 2020 to March 2021 we responded to 872 calls from survivors. Calls peaked over the summer of 2020 with over 100 calls from survivors received in July 2020.

As Covid restrictions have eased our specialised staff have been able to work with clients in person again. Alongside this we have seen a significant increase in demand for our other services and our team are busy responding to referrals and supporting clients. We have reopened our One Stop Shops face to face in Canterbury, Herne Bay and Folkestone, where clients can drop-in and speak to someone for immediate advice. Unfortunately, this has meant we no longer have capacity to offer a helpline staffed by domestic abuse experts as well as deliver our day to day frontline work.

Therefore our helpline will be changing back to a standard office phone line from the 11^th October 2021. The main purpose of the office phone line will be to respond to general enquiries about our services and how to access support.

If you need specific, specialist advice and support for yourself, a friend or a client, you will still be able to reach us on our usual number from 9am-5pm. We will take your details and find the right person to get back to you.

You can also call the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 if you need advice immediately. In an emergency please call 999.

All our other domestic abuse services will continue to operate as usual. Thank you for your understanding as we make this transition.

Further information about support and services

It was an honour to make the most of the sunshine and welcome donors,  local services and MP for Canterbury Rosie Duffield for the launch of accommodation for Project Liberty, based in Canterbury. After a year and a half spent fundraising and renovating the house we are delighted to provide safe accommodation for 16-24 year old girls from Kent who are pregnant, experiencing domestic abuse and at risk of becoming homeless.

Deputy Lieutenant, Trustee of Brook Trust, and Chair of Kent Community Foundation Tim Brook gave a speech thanking local services for all the work they have done during the COVID pandemic.  Rosie Duffield, MP for Canterbury cut the ribbon to open the house saying “ I am so pleased to have the opportunity to meet the team and some former residents who illustrated just how important these services are and how their experiences transformed their situations and shaped their futures.”

From this summer, 5 young women will live in the secure home and develop the skills they need to lead independent lives and find long-term homes for themselves and their children. No other service like this exists locally, and this group of vulnerable young women is at high risk of abuse, exacerbated by COVID 19 lockdown restrictions.

At the same time, Project Liberty will also host supportive group programmes for young women who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic abuse.  Allowing women from East Kent to access the support of their peers whilst learning about domestic abuse in a safe, friendly environment.

Fran Ellis, Rising Sun’s Chief Executive Officer, who hosted the events said, “We are thrilled to launch this service, especially after such a difficult year from COVID. This house will help young women from Kent feel safe, increase their resilience and build a better future for themselves and their children.  Thank you to everyone who has helped us provide this much needed help to young women in need of support.”

Read more about Project Liberty accommodation here 

Photo credit Emma Threadingham