PCC attends 16 Days Of Activism events

This week, police and crime commissioner Clare Moody attended two 16 days of Activism events. Clare attended Soroptimists march and NextLink’s candlelit vigil.

Soroptimists

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement working together to transform the lives of women and girls. They work at a local, national and international level to educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls.

Marking the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Clare and over 40 Soroptimists from the region marched from Weston Railway Station through the town and to Grove Park where Clare tied an orange ribbon to symbolise the lives of women and girls lost to male violence.

Nextlink

Nextlink provide a range of domestic abuse support services to women, men and children. These include safe houses, children and young people’s services, dedicated services for survivors who are black or from a minoritised community, dedicated services for LGBTQ+ survivors, group work, resettlement and outreach services, and a crisis response service.

They marched from the Nextlink offices to College Green in Bristol. At College Green candles were lit to remember those whose lives have been affected by abuse, rape and sexual assault.

People across Bristol and local partners came together to hear survivor voices, raise awareness of the impact of violence against women and girls, and shine a light on specialist support services available.

Clare moody gave a speech at both events. Clare said:

“One in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their life. There is no excuse for this happening.

“Preventing male violence against women and girls is at the heart of my police and crime plan. It starts with education, community action and it is about holding perpetrators to account.

“Over the 16 Days, I will be speaking at events, listening to women, hearing the experiences that far too many women have had and I will be working with communities to shine a light on this vital issue.

“I am sorry this is a fight we still have to have. All women deserve better. Together, we have to work to make that change real.”

To anyone affected by male violence help is available. You can find support services on the Survivor Pathway