White Ribbon Campaign UK Blog

‘Treat’ domestic violence with homeopathy!

wrcuk — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:25:19 +0000

White Ribbon Campaign is making no claims about homeopathy. That is beyond our remit however, this article from libcom.org does raise issues about whether victims or perpetrators can be treated by medication without looking at the other issues involved. The original article can be seen at http://libcom.org/blog/treat-domestic-violence-homeopathy-17012012

Twitter today pointed out this horrific, unbelievably offensive article, titled ‘Homeopathy for Domestic Violence and Abuse’. Hopefully, the title alone will be enough to fill you with materialist outrage, but I’m going to have a little rant about it anyway.

Trigger warning: domestic abuse

Binal Master wants homeopathy ‘to be considered the first line of treatment and not merely an alternative’, and this includes ‘treatment’ of domestic violence. Her piece on the hpathy.com site, ‘Homeopathy for Domestic Violence and Abuse‘ celebrates how homeopathic rememdies can be used to treat both perpetrators and victims of domestic violence.

I’m going to leave aside criticisms of homeopathy itself – plenty of people have done very good take-downs of homeopathy and are far more knowledgeable about it than I am. A good introduction to homeopathy comes from Bad Science‘s Ben Goldacre.

I’m going to leave the criticisms of homeopathy aside, mostly because whether homeopathy works or not1, the main thing I take issue with here is the medicalisation of domestic violence in the first place.

Medicalisation refers to the process in which increasing amounts of problems and life events are transformed into medical illnesses, symptoms, syndromes or evidence of pathology that can be diagnosed and treated. The critics of medicalisation argue that everyday problems that have very real, tangible manifestations, but with a material basis in capitalism and the structural violence and inequalities it promotes (such as hunger, RSI and other work-related illnesses, PTSD as a result of warfare, and many mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, conduct disorder, ADHD…) are increasingly seen as medical problems, and treated as such. The problem with this is that it strips the ‘condition’ (in this case, being the victim or indeed perpetrator of domestic violence) from the social relations it exists within (and may well be a product of), and turns what could be a social phenomenon that highlights the unlivable nature of the world we live in (such as depression as a result of unemployment and poverty, for example), and individualises the issue – it’s you, the sick person, who has the problem, not the world around you. Critics also talk about the ‘diagnostic creep‘2 whereby the diagnostic criteria for illnesses expand all the time, making more and more behaviours and ‘symptoms’ evidence of pathology. It makes being a ‘healthy’, ‘normal’ person increasingly difficult, and gives pharmaceutical companies ever increasing markets for their products3.

Again, medicalisation is a massive topic, and I’m not in any way trying to deny the reality of suffering from things like depression or ADHD, or trying to say you shouldn’t seek to alleviate your suffering by whatever means you have available to you4. What I’m taking issue with here is the idea that you can ‘treat’ domestic violence with medicine – let alone medicine with absolutely no scientific grounding whatsoever.

Domestic violence is not a medical problem. Being a victim of domestic violence is not a situation you can change by taking potions. Binal Master claims that homeopathy is useful for both perpetrators and victims of domestic violence because it ‘considers the person as a whole, and takes account of the physical and psychological characteristics of the patient’. She opens her piece by explaining that domestic violence can be the result of “insecurities faced in day-to-day lives, in love, relationships and work, and from feelings of neglect and isolation. The current rise in living expenses, where the cost of living exceeds one’s total income, can make it increasingly difficult to handle emotional, physical and psychological demands”. Well, as a communist, I’d tend to point to wider things like the capitalist mode of production, alienation, and of course patriarchy, as the conditions that sew ‘seeds of violence and abuse’, but so far, so well intentioned, right?

Master goes on to cite “feelings of grief, displeasure, guilt, inferiority, jealousy and anger, resulting in physical aggression,” and suggests a variety of homeopathic remedies which she claims can treat these things, thus breaking the cycle of domestic violence. There’s some specific gems in there too, like remedies for fear – ‘this medicine is basically for people who are always anxious, fearful, and in a state of anguish.’ If you’re in an abusive relationship, chances are your feelings of fear, anxiety and anguish might have something to do with the threat of violence, and not because of a lack of Aconite Napellus. I’m unconvinced that a good dose of lycopodium is going to be the solution to the loss of self-esteem and self-confidence an abusive relationship can lead to, or be enough to combat a domestic abuse victim’s ‘inability to stand up for oneself in a conflict’. Or next time your violent partner is ‘shrieking and cursing when in rage, violent anger, abusive behavior towards partner and children, revengeful’, suggest a few drops of anacardium. The remedies are all listed as suitable for both perpetrator and victim of domestic violence.

She concludes with:

Quote: Homeopathy is a safe and effective way to treat the victims as well as the culprits of domestic violence. It focuses on the way patients have reacted to events and the personality of the patient. It helps to bring complete harmony of physical, mental and social well being.

Let’s put this in perspective. The Council of Europe estimate that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Internationally, between 40-70% of all female murder victims are killed by partners or former partners, compared to 4-8% of men being killed by former partners. In the UK, on average two women are killed by a current or former male partner every week, accounting for over 30% of all female murder victims5. Domestic violence is a very real threat to the safety of women. Master’s ‘holistic’ treatment plan for victims of domestic abuse doesn’t seem to include advice on how to deal with broken bones, burns, or any other physical symptoms of abuse. Nor, at any point, does she mention referring patients to agencies and services trained to help protect those fleeing domestic violence.

Feminist and human rights activists continue to campaign tirelessly for greater protection for the victims of domestic and intimate violence, including safe houses for women and children who leave abusive relationships. Currently, the already inadequate funding for domestic abuse services such as Women’s Aid, and other specialist services such as rape crisis centres, is being cut as part of austerity measures. Abuse survivors will also suffer from drastic cuts to legal aid, which have narrowed the definition of domestic violence and excludes many survivors from the possibility of legal aid.

Domestic violence is a social problem, it puts lives at risk, it kills two women a week. It has a material basis. Being a survivor of domestic violence of course often has physical and psychological effects, but it’s not enough to send an abusive victim away with some arnica to rub on their bruises, or give an abuser some rescue remedy to take next time they find themselves about to assault someone.

Urgent need for stalking law

wrcuk — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:13:50 +0000

Article Published in Derbyshire Times on Thursday 29 December 2011 10:41. Full article can be seen at http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/national/urgent_need_for_stalking_law_1_4097486

The prison sentences being handed down to stalkers are so short that rehabilitation and treatment is impossible, campaigners have said.

Some 20 stalkers a year are jailed for longer than 12 months for putting a victim in fear of violence, the probation union Napo said.

Some were behind bars for just days, while others were sentenced to community orders and “inappropriate” domestic violence courses, it said.

Calling for the law to be changed to tackle the problem of stalking earlier, Napo said tens of thousands of victims were being let down by the criminal justice system.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper has committed Labour to the move, blaming a “lack of clarity” in the law for allowing stalking cases to escalate into still more “heinous” crimes against both women and men.

Some 120,000 victims, mostly women, are stalked each year, but just 53,000 are recorded as crimes by police and only one in 50 of these lead to an offender being jailed, Napo said.

Harry Fletcher, the union’s assistant general secretary, said: “It is abundantly clear that if the criminal justice system does not intervene early to prevent stalking behaviour, then that behaviour escalated to violence and even murder. There is virtually no training for any criminal justice professional in understanding stalking and therefore it is no surprise that the response is so inadequate.”

He continued: “There is an urgent need for a stalking law and for the offence of harassment to be tried not just in the magistrates’ but in the crown courts. If professionals were trained and intervened early this would save lives, save money and save victim misery.”

In 2009/10, one in 50 of those charged under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 received a custodial sentence, with an annual average of 20 offenders being jailed for more than a year for putting someone in fear of violence, a report by Napo showed.

Prime Minister David Cameron has said the Government would look at creating a new offence of stalking. Last month, the Home Office announced a three-month consultation on the problem of stalking after victims complained of feeling “let down” by the justice system.

Treetops, The Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Marks Five Years

wrcuk — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:21:27 +0000

Article can also be seen at : http://www.portsmouthnews.tv/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5117:treetops-the-sexual-assault-referral-centre-marks-five-years&catid=34:front-page-news

Written by News Desk

Wednesday, 23 November 2011 06:47

The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), otherwise known as Treetops, marks its fifth anniversary with a commitment to offering a professional service to clients when they most need it.

The centre is located in Cosham, Portsmouth, but its remit spans across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Since the launch of the SARC in 2006, 2168 people have visited the centre and received expert care and support following their involvement in what can only be described as one of the most traumatic experiences a person can suffer.

More often, people who have been raped or sexually assaulted are taken to the centre after having reported the incident to the police, but they may also be referred by support services such as Rape Crisis or Inscape, or make a self referral by contacting the centre themselves.

The centre offers a supportive environment where specially trained doctors and project workers can see a client through forensic examination, getting counselling and ongoing support, screening for possible sexually transmitted infections, or reporting the incident to the police.

SARC manager, Mary Bridgman, said, “Before we opened Treetops, victims of sexual assault and domestic violence didn’t have the right facilities, with the right professionals in place, to help them through their crises. Because we work alongside other disciplines, we are able to offer full support.”

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Snuggs from Hampshire Constabulary said: “We would like to congratulate Treetops on reaching its fifth anniversary. We are committed to supporting the SARC and it’s highly important work with victims of serious sexual offences. The force has benefitted from a very productive partnership which has helped us to improve the service we can provide to victims at their time of need.”

Some of the centre’s milestones over the last five years include:

- Recruitment of a Young Persons Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) for Hampshire and Isle of Wight in 2007 after successful bids to the Home Office

- Production of the ‘Rape, Short Word Long Sentence’ DVD, which has been distributed – and is in use – nationally and abroad

- Collaborating with Hampshire Constabulary and Don’t Cross the Line and other awareness campaigns to highlight keeping safe and issues of consent. Presentations from these campaigns go to all schools, colleges and universities in Hampshire and Isle of Wight

- Development and deployment of an android smart phone ‘app’

- Being part of a national Department of Health taskforce looking at helping other areas of country develop and improve SARCs

- Being part of a steering group with the Home Office looking at National Occupational Standards for Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs)

- Assisting the voluntary sector in obtaining funding for ISVAs to work with adults across Hampshire and Isle of Wight

- Offering social work student placements.

White Ribbon Night Event

wrcuk — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:08:03 +0000

On November 25th, White Ribbon Campaign UK will be marking national White Ribbon Day by holding an evening of film and comedy at B@r Place in Hebden Bridge. We will be showing the movie “Provoked” which is the true story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia who was imprisoned for first degree murder after having killed her abusive husband. Kiranjit finds friendship and freedom in prison and is supported by Southall Black Sisters who campaign for her release. This inspiring and heart warming story raises awareness of Domestic Abuse and gives insights into this important issue which will touch the lives of one in four women in the UK. The evening will conclude with comedy from the London comedian and activist Kate Smurthwaite. We all need to raises our awareness. Working together we can bring violence against women and girls to an end. Tickets are available from White Ribbon Campaign on 01422 886545. Alternatively you can buy them from the website: http://www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/shop/publications

Men Totter Across Town

wrcuk — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:09:58 +0000

Taken from Halifax Courier, Tuesday 15th November 2011. Full article at http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/local/men_totter_their_way_across_town_1_3969940

Men totter their way across town

Jonathan Rider and Adam Bennett

Published on Tuesday 15 November 2011 11:04

THEY tottered and they towered over shoppers – the men of Hebden Bridge have once more pulled on their heels to strut their stuff around the town.

Each year the White Ribbon campaign calls on men to titter and totter around the town’s cobbles to raise awareness of domestic violence.

Some went further and donned dresses and wigs to add a splash of glamour to the day organised by the Mytholmroyd-based charity.

Coun James Baker from Hebden Royd Council cut the ribbon and then heels clattering against the cobbles with cheering from onlookers.

The group of 12 brave men and boys tackled the streets of Hebden Bridge and the issue of domestic abuse by walking a mile in their heels.

Onlookers gave their support to the men and helped raise £600 for the campaign.

The White Ribbon Campaign is the largest global effort by men working to end male violence against women. The charity encourages men to take the pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent abut violence against women.

“It was so nice to see so many men of all ages supporting the White Ribbon Campaign, the event was a massive success and the men looked brilliant,” said Justine Pattison.

It comes ahead of international White Ribbon Day on November 25 when each year they urge men and boys to wear a ribbon for one or two weeks, starting on November 25, the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women.

Gillette Four Nations teams pledge support for White Ribbon Campaign

wrcuk — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:52:47 +0000

Players from all four Gillette Four Nations teams have pledged their support to the White Ribbon campaign, an international initiative to raise awareness about domestic violence issues.

The campaign received a timely boost ahead of tomorrow’s Gillette Four Nations double header at Wembley when England second row Jamie Jones-Buchanan, New Zealand hooker Thomas Leuluai and Australia scrum-half Johnathan Thurston turned out to give their backing to the campaign which encourages men to pledge never to commit violence against a woman and to always condemn violent behaviour

“As Rugby League players and sportsmen we act as role models for society, and it is our responsibility to show that we condemn violence in any form. I am proud to be a part of the White Ribbon campaign.” said Jones-Buchanan.

“When playing, if a player is violent it damages the whole team, and in life to ignore violence when we know it exists damages all of society.

“I wholeheartedly support the important work of the White Ribbon Campaign to involve men in pledging never to commit violence against women, never to excuse violence against women, and never to remain silent about violence against women, and I ask that all supporters of the game also pledge their support.”

On ‘White Ribbon Day’- Friday November 25 – thousands of men in the UK will be undertaking sponsored silences, educational talks, signing the White Ribbon pledge and undertaking high heeled walks to draw attention to the issue.

The White Ribbon Campaign operates in 50 countries around the world, and has very strong branches in the UK, Australia and New Zealand

For more information on the White Ribbon Campaign please visit http://www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/

East Staffordshire Borough Council will be hosting its 3 rd White Ribbon campaign event on Saturday 26th November

wrcuk — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:29:46 +0000

Burton Albion Football Club is once again teaming up with East Staffordshire Borough Council to raise awareness of the White Ribbon campaign to end domestic violence.
This year as part of the WRC’s ‘Blow the Whistle on Violence’ campaign, East Staffordshire Borough Council has teamed back up with Burton Albion to hold an awareness day at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday 26^th November as the Brewers take on AFC Wimbledon at home.
Volunteers from East Staffordshire Borough Council and domestic violence partners will be at the stadium on the day selling White Ribbons, and – if needed – handing out information on local domestic violence helplines.
Meanwhile the players will spend a few minutes warming up before the game in the White ribbon t-shirts to help promote the campaign and manager Paul Peschisolido and his playing staff will be wearing White Ribbon buttons as part of their pledge never to ‘commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women’.
At the end of the match up to 200 white balloons will be released into the air to represent each child in East Staffordshire that so far this year has been affected in some way by Domestic Abuse, whether being a victim or witnessing the violence of a parent/carer.
Councillor David Leese, Deputy Leader for Partnerships, said: “East Staffordshire is proud to have White Ribbon town status and the Council continues to do what it can to raise awareness of the support and help available to victims of domestic violence.
“We are very grateful to all the players and staff at Burton Albion for their support once again, even if our message reaches just one victim who manages to get help, or one offender who sees the error of their ways, then it is worth it.”
Burton Albion Manager Paul Peschisolido, said: “We are very happy to team up with East Staffordshire Borough Council to give our full backing to the White Ribbon Campaign.
“This is a campaign which the whole squad is behind and we will be showing our support when we play AFC Wimbledon later this month.”

White Ribbon Campaign UK were pleased that East Staffordshire Borough Council became a White Ribbon Authority on 16th September 2010.

Women’s equality: clock is turning back as cuts bite, says Fawcett Society

wrcuk — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:54:14 +0000

White Ribbon Campaign UK fully supports this move and is one of the signatories. Full article can be seen at http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/04/women-equality-clock-back-fawcett

Life-raft policies must be drawn up to counter worst threat ‘in living memory’ to women’s hard-won rights, says charity

Amelia Hill . The Guardian, Friday 4 November 2011

The Fawcett Society says years of progress on equality, including workforce opportunities, above, are now being dismantled. Photograph: Luke Macgregor/Reuters

Women’s financial security and human rights are under attack on a scale not seen in “living memory” due to the coalition’s austerity measures, according to a report released today.

Backed by more than 20 charities, unions and academics, the report by the Fawcett Society shows how the cuts are pushing women out of the workforce, driving down their income and undermining hard-won access to justice and protection from violence.

The report, A Life Raft for Women’s Equality, offers key policy recommendations to reverse the impact the cuts will have on women’s jobs, benefits and key services as state services are withdrawn.

The report is published on the same day that the home secretary, Theresa May – who is also minister for women and equalities – outlines the government’s approach to women and the economy.

May will announce an ambitious plan to recruit and train 5,000 volunteer business mentors to help women who want to start or grow their own businesses.

“Business people tell us that they want to take advice from other business people. So the business mentors will be experienced individuals who can provide tailored advice and support. They will be a huge help to women entrepreneurs,” May is to say.

Anna Bird, acting chief executive of the Fawcett Society, said: “Our report identifies a series of targeted and achievable policy measures that could be adopted by, or at, the 2012 budget, which together offer a life raft for women’s equality – and never has the need been so great.

“Women have not faced a greater threat to their financial security and rights in living memory. Decades of steady, albeit slow, progress on equality is being dismantled, as cuts to women’s jobs and the benefits and services they rely on, turn back time on women’s equality.”

The number of women out of work is at a 23-year high, with cutbacks in the public sector hitting women particularly hard: two-thirds of the 130,000 jobs lost in local authorities since the first quarter of 2010 were held by women.

“Women up and down the country are experiencing greater hardship. For those families affected, the cuts to women’s jobs, services and benefits will represent a personal loss,” said Bird. “But we must add to this the cost to wider society as women’s opportunities are scaled back.

“Fewer women working, a widening gap in pay between women and men, entrenchment of outdated gender roles at work and at home, and women being forced into a position where they must increasingly rely on a main breadwinner or the state for financial subsidy – this is the picture that emerges when the many policies of economic austerity are stitched together.”

The report calls on the government to restore support for childcare costs for low-income families to the level before April 2011. This, says Bird, would “help ensure paid employment makes financial sense for the many low-income women who’ve found they are better off not working”.

Another recommendation is ring-fencing funds for Sure Start centres. “This would further protect women’s access to employment and shore up the other vital benefits these centres offer thousands of families,” said Bird.

The society calls on the coalition to stop local authorities from treating violence against women services as a soft touch for cuts. “We need to ensure some of the most vulnerable women in the UK have access to the support they need,” said Bird.

Signatories to the report include Eaves Housing for Women, the End Violence Against Women coalition, Unison, Child Poverty Action Group, Daycare Trust, White Ribbon Campaign UK, and Rape Crisis.

“We need urgent action to stop women being ground down by the government’s devastating cuts,” said Dave Prentis, Unison’s general secretary. “Women’s jobs and pensions are under serious attack. They are being hit hard by unemployment, the rising cost of living and cuts to benefits and services to young people.”

Alison Garnham, chief executive of Child Poverty Action Group, agreed. “Child poverty and the incomes and services women are able to access are intrinsically linked. The vast majority of child benefit is received by women, whether as the main carer in a couple, or as a single parent.

“It is hugely unfair that such a large burden of the government’s cuts should be falling on the shoulders of women and children, and it would be profoundly wrong if these unfair cuts to child benefit became permanent.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Fairness is facing up to the reality of the financial situation we are in and not leaving our children to pick up the bill. This government is protecting services for the most vulnerable and focusing resources where they are most needed and most effective.

“We are taking 1.1 million of the lowest-paid workers – most of whom are women – out of income tax altogether, introducing flexible parental leave and extending flexible working, and taking action to reduce the gender pay gap.”

• This article was amended on 4th November. It originally stated that extra money was being made available by the government for the business mentoring scheme. That was incorrect.

David Cameron accused of “unprecedented attack” on women over cuts

wrcuk — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:00:54 +0000

By Andrew Porter, Policy Editor, Daily Telegraph. Full article at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8865503/David-Cameron-accused-of-unprecedented-attack-on-women-over-cuts.html

10:00PM GMT 02 Nov 2011

White Ribbon Campaign UK are one of the 20 charities supporting this criticism.

A 20-strong coalition of charities, academics, women’s groups and unions say that women are facing the “greatest risk to their financial security in living memory.”

It comes as the Prime Minister faces growing accusations that women are deserting him and the Tory party in their millions over the way he has handled the cuts.

Today the Fawcett Society accuses the Government of “grinding down women” and causing the “greatest risk to their financial security in living memory.”

The think tank is urging Mr Cameron and George Osborne to consider their “life raft” measures ahead of next year’s Budget to try and alleviate the pain to women of a number of Coalition policies.

Among their recommendations they want childcare costs for low income families restored and a re-think on plans to cut child benefit.

Anna Bird, chief executive of the Fawcett Society said: “Women have not faced a greater threat to their financial security and rights in living memory. Decades of steady, albeit slow, progress on equality for women is being dismantled, as cuts to women’s jobs and the benefits and services they rely on turn back time on women’s equality.

“Fewer women working; a widening gap in pay between women and men; entrenchment of parental gender roles; increased risk of female poverty and dependency on family and the state for financial subsidy – this is the picture that emerges when the many policies of economic austerity are stitched together.”

In a sign that Mr Cameron is concerned that he needs to win back the support of women one of the few female Cabinet ministers will tomorrow(FRI) make a hastily arranged speech on the subject. Theresa May, the Home Secretary, will address the issue of women and the economy in a bid to illustrate their vital importance.

Mr Cameron has in recent weeks been accused of superficially reacting to the accusations that he has little understanding of women and has promoted too few. In a mini-reshuffle Justine Greening was made Transport Secretary and Chloe Smith, 29, a junior Treasury minister.

It has also been noticeable that in public appearances such as yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Questions women were arranged to sit in full view of the television cameras.

Recently internal Tory party polling showed why Mr Cameron is right to be worried. It showed that Mr Cameron is being rejected in increasing numbers by women in skilled manual jobs.

And women are also said to be far more concerned about an apparent hidden “motive” behind Conservative plans to reduce government borrowing to cut public spending.

The Fawcett Society, in its report which will be officially unveiled tomorrow, will point out that the Coalition’s changes to the tax and welfare system are “undermining women’s security and independence.” It points to evidence that 70 per cent of money withdrawn from the benefits system in last year’s Budget comes from women’s pockets.

Single mothers will be among the worst hit and as public services are scaled back women will disproportionately be expected to fill the gaps in care by providing unpaid care for family and often resulting in them having to give up any employment.

But the think tank warns that a “triple jeopardy” of measures to reduce the deficit are hitting women hard: “cuts to their jobs, cuts to the benefits and services supporting women’s every day lives, and a growing likelihood that women will be the ones left ‘filling the gaps’ as state services are withdrawn.”

It wants the restoration of support for childcare costs for low-income families to pre-April 2011 levels; ring fencing of funding for Sure Start to help protect women’s access to employment; and a halt to the closure by local authorities of units to and hostels to help women fleeing from domestic violence.

Among the groups supporting the call are the White Ribbon Campaign, Child Poverty Action Group, Daycare Trust, Maternity Action, Unison, and Gingerbread.

Dave Prentis, the general secretary of Unison, said: “We need urgent action to stop women being ground down by the Government’s devastating cuts. Two thirds of public sector workers are women, who are most likely to rely on these vital services.

“Women are being hit hard by unemployment, the rising cost of living and cuts to benefits and services to young people.”

National White Ribbon Day Film and Comedy Night Event at B@r Place, Hebden Bridge

wrcuk — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:31:26 +0000

To mark National White Ribbon Day on November 25th, White Ribbon UK, the campaign to end violence against women and girls in all its forms, is hosting an event at B@r Place, Crown Street, Hebden Bridge and invites all local residents to come along, support the cause and celebrate the great work of White Ribbon.
The evening will begin with a showing of Provoked by late director, Jag Mundra and starring Miranda Richardson, Aishwarya Rai and Robbie Coltrane. Provoked tells the moving true story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia who, having suffered years of abuse by her husband, reacted by setting him on fire and killing him. Kiranjit was sentenced to first degree murder, but found freedom from abuse in prison and strength and solidarity in her friendships with her fellow prisoners and her advocates at Southall Black Sisters who campaigned for her release. Provoked is a powerful illustration of the untold hurt caused by Domestic Abuse and inspires us to all take action to challenge injustice and ensure that our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends can live their lives free from violence and abuse.
Following the showing of Provoked, White Ribbon Campaign is thrilled to present T.V., radio and UK comedy circuit regular, London comedian, Kate Smurthwaite. Kate is a well known activist and campaigner and a passionate supporter of the White Ribbon Campaign’s work. Kate was happy to support this fundraising and awareness raising event in Hebden Bridge, where she has a well-developed fan-base. This is perhaps unsurprising considering that her style has been described by The Spectator as; “A powerhouse of observational wit” and The National Student says; “You’d have to be made of granite not to warm to her.”
Tickets for this great Friday night out are available for only £5 (with all proceeds going to further the work of White Ribbon Campaign)from B@r Place, Hebden Bridge (tel: 01422 842814) or White Ribbon Campaign, New Road, Mytholmroyd (tel: 01422 886545) or info@whiteribboncampaign.co.uk.