Noisy march planned to draw attention to domestic violence

By [jcooper]

VICTIMS of domestic violence in North Devon will march through Barnstaple as part of a national awareness campaign.

The march, which starts from Barnstaple's Square at 11am next Monday, will feature up to 100 local people.

It has been organised by the North Devon Women's Aid group as part of National Domestic Violence week and is dubbed the noisy march.

Participants bring whistles, drums and maracas to make as much noise as possible to symbolise victims speaking up.

Speaking at the march will be Janet Barratt, the mother of Janine Mundy who was killed by her husband in Camborne in 2003.

Helen Frisby, transition manager for North Devon Women's Aid, is encouraging anyone who has been affected by domestic violence to get involved.

She said: "Abuse isn't always physical. It can be emotional, sexual or even financial — it's all about power and control in a relationship.

"Many people may not consider themselves victims but the idea of this week is to shout about what services and support are available in North Devon.

"There are a lot of lovely people here just ready to listen and help."

The week will feature information displays all over North Devon promoting the services of Women's Aid.

One new service to be launched this year is the Men Safe scheme which offers support for male victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Helen said: "This is a recent extension of our services and is open to any men in North Devon.

"Statistics show that one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes but it also effects one in every six men.

"The service, which has been running since June, shows the growth of our organisation and is designed to remove the barriers for men."

Helen believes the week will highlight important issues which are made even more relevant by North Devon's rural location.

She added: "Based on statistics we must all know someone who has been affected by domestic violence but when they are in remote locations it can be hard to know who to turn to. It could be as simple as being a good friend, passing on a phone number or just offering a shoulder to cry on.

"We also offer a repair programme for the perpetrators of domestic violence who want to change their ways."

For more information visit www.womensaid.org.uk.

● Monday, November 23 - Noisy march through Barnstaple. Starts at the Square at 11am followed by lunch at Victoria House at 1pm.

● Tuesday, November 24 - Display at Zena's restaurant in Market Street, Barnstaple from 10am to 3pm.

● Wednesday, November 25 - Multi Agency presentation Awareness Day, featuring Men Safe Scheme from 10am at Christ Church on Bear Street, Barnstaple.

● Thursday, November 26 - Winter warmer lunch in Ilfracombe from 1pm to 2pm. Bingo night at the Royal British legion social club on St George's Road, Barnstaple from 7pm.

● Friday, November 27 - Race night at Torridge Vale Social Club, Torrington from 8pm. Performance of Fannying Around at the Plough Arts Centre, Torrington. Education and awareness display at Zena's Restaurant in Market Street, Barnstaple from 10am to 3pm.