16-days of Activism as Soroptimists 'Orange Salisbury'

Salisbury Soroptimists splashed orange around the city during 16 Days of Activism, part of the United Nations Orange the World initiative to eliminate violence against women.

Postboxes were topped with orange crocheted flowers and shoes to represent women killed by partners – a shocking average of one woman every three days is killed by a man in the UK, with 62% of these by a current or former partner.

The theme of this year’s campaign was prevention: ’Taking steps to eliminate Violence Against Women And Girls’, which was illustrated by orange footsteps walking up a Christmas Tree as part of St Thomas’ Christmas Tree Festival. Displays at the Library and Five Rivers Leisure Centre offered positive steps everyone can take to become better informed about the signs of domestic abuse and the support services available to those affected. Many businesses around the city also agreed to display posters with QR codes, allowing anyone to access information about these services.

Salisbury Soroptimists’ President Michele Smith said, "We are very grateful to Salisbury City Council for agreeing to light the Guildhall in orange for one night at the start of our campaign and for displaying our posters in parks around the city. We hope this will enable people to easily access information about support services and get the help they need. It is a difficult subject to talk about at any time, but in the run up to Christmas, with the added family tensions this time of year can bring, it is important to provide everyone with information and support."

One highlight of the 16 Days of Activism was a film night in collaboration with Bemerton Film Society, held at St John’s Place. The profit from ticket sales of £330 was donated to Salisbury Women’s Refuge along with further donations collected at the evening. The Refuge Chair, Caroline Probert, spoke at the event about the urgency of fundraising to support the women and children who desperately need their help.

On a wildly windy Saturday morning Soroptimists spread orange tablecloths in some Market Square coffee shops to be available to chat with anyone who had concerns about domestic abuse and point them towards support services. ‘The whole point of our campaign is to raise awareness.’ said Liz Batten. "If people are aware of the appalling statistics of the prevalence of domestic abuse, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, maybe they might take action when they see the signs and step in to prevent future abuse."

Just before the 16 days began, a special service was held in Salisbury Cathedral, led by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Stephen Lake. Guest speaker Sam Murphy from Fear Free spoke about how busy this organisation is supporting victims of domestic abuse around the county. The service was organised by the Mothers’ Union Diocese of Salisbury Cathedral as part of their ‘Rise Up!’ campaign against domestic abuse. They also helped the Soroptimists by setting up a display in St Thomas’ Church and distributing posters to businesses in the city centre.

What can you do? Ensure you are informed by reading about the signs of domestic abuse and offer support to anyone you think may need it. This could be a listening ear, the number for a support line, a safe space to talk or suggest the Bright Sky app which gives practical advice. You can take free bystander training online, run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. This equips anyone to become more confident in tackling, documenting and reporting unacceptable behaviour in the community.

For information about support services available for anyone suffering domestic abuse or to learn what you can do to help, please visit Salisbury Soroptimists’ website: https://sigbi.org/salisbury/club-projects/orange-the-world/domestic-abuse/