Angus Edwards
Share Silence Stop Violence
Fundraising for Refuge
Story
SHARE SILENCE STOP VIOLENCE
- Take on two hours of complete silence
- Donate
- Share with 4 friends
- #sharesilencestopviolence
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WHY SILENCE
We are asking you to take on two hours silence to reflect on those who have no voice. Our hope is that it is a time of reflection, mindfulness - away from technology and everyday distractions. 2 hours of silence represents 2 women who are killed each week from domestic abuse. The campaign has started, so please participate, spread the word and #sharesilence_stopviolence
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WHY REFUGE
Since the start of the Covid-19 lockdown, The National Domestic Abuse helpline has seen a 49% rise in calls and online requests in the UK (BBC News), a 17% rise in male abuse helpline requests, with a recorded 16 people killed in the first 3 weeks of lockdown.
Before the lockdown:
- 1 in 4 women might experience domestic abuse at some point in her lifetime
- 1.6 million women in Wales and England experienced domestic violence and abuse
- 2 women are killed each week in Wales and England
With the current restrictions of movement in place, many of those who are victims to domestic abuse will be in lockdown with their abuser, thereby dramatically increasing their vulnerability.
Refuge supports around 6,000 women & children on any given day, experiencing domestic and sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, stalking, trafficking, prostitution & so-called ‘honour’ based violence. By kindly sponsoring Refuge today you are helping to save and change the lives of thousands of women and children escaping domestic violence.
Donations will be used for:
- Vital supplies for women in our refuges.
Often women and children arriving at our refuges arrive with little more than the clothes they are wearing. Cleaning products such as soap, bleach, anti-bacterial wipes and hand-sanitiser, so women and children can help prevent the spread of infection.
- Help a child cope with isolation.
Children in our refuges urgently need toys, books and games. Many arrive with us vulnerable and confused, having left cherished possessions behind. With isolation measures in place, providing activities and craft supplies could bring happiness to a child staying in a refuge.
- Equipment to allow staff to work remotely.
Remote working of our staff enables us to continue supporting the women and children accessing our services during this challenging time. Specific equipment is required to ensure client cases are kept confidential when staff are homeworking.
4 REASONS TO GET INVOLVED
1. Your donations and spreading of awareness will have life-changing effects on those women/children/men who are subject to truly awful violence. You need only go as far as BBC News to understand
2. A break from technology: As millenials, being in a lockdown with little to do can often draw our attention and our energy towards staring at our phones and computers for unhealthy lengths of time. Appreciate your safe living environment
3. Positive mental health: Use this 2 hour silence to focus your mind on what is important and to think of those who are suffering. (Ask Chilly Dippers...)
4. ‘Silence is Golden’: extraverts amongst/around you occassionally need to rest easy and give the fragile ears of their family members (who are in very close quarters) a break!
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Thank you all for your support