Chester event aims to stop violence against women

Nov 25 2008 by Jo Henwood, Chester Chronicle

A FIRE engine draped in a large white ribbon brought shoppers to a standstill in Chester.

Chester Women’s Aid and Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service were in Bridge Street to mark White Ribbon Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Chair of Chester Women’s Aid, Sheila Brookes, said: “We are very grateful to Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service for helping us publicise this important day and being such pro-active partners.”

On average in the UK a woman is murdered by a partner or ex-partner every 3 days and one in four women experience domestic violence.

Mark Cashin, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Domestic abuse should not have to be tolerated by any individual and we all have a responsibility to send a clear message that it is not acceptable.”

Chester Women’s Aid and Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service worked with West Cheshire Domestic Abuse Forum, Cheshire Domestic Abuse Partnership (www.cheshire.gov.uk/domesticabuse) and Women’s Aid Federation of England (www.womensaid.org.uk) to mark White Ribbon Day.

Women experiencing domestic abuse can receive confidential help from the Women’s Aid & Refuge national helpline on 0808 2000247, Cheshire Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit 01606 351375 and Chester Women’s Services 01244 314950.