I had a date at 7a.m. with BBC Radio Suffolk to talk over the phone about the launch of the 2013 White Ribbon Campaign, and also had to get to Ipswich in time for a breakfast presentation on the same subject at 8.30 a.m.
Despite the fact that I had to move at double the normal speed, all went well. There was a good turnout at the breakfast meeting, with a guest appearance from Tim Passmore, the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The White Ribbon Campaign, which always runs between 25th November and 10th December, is an international event aimed at raising awareness of, and combatting, domestic abuse. The movement was started in Canada by a group of men who wanted to openly express their commitment to the eradication of violence against women. White Ribbon events now take place in around 60 countries worldwide.
In Suffolk, like everywhere else, people, both male and female, suffer from domestic abuse. Over the past year over 7000 incidents were reported to the police. Through the Domestic Violence Forum of which I am currently the Chairman, the County Council, the Police and other partner organisations, many from the voluntary sector, support a wide range of initiatives across the county.
Research tells us that one in four women will be affected by domestic abuse sometime in their lives. If you know anyone who has concerns about this problem it is important to encourage them to get help.
Local telephone numbers for those seeking support can be found here.
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