24 November 2014
The Norfolk Says No to domestic violence and sexual abuse campaign [1] was launched this morning, 24th November, and Green Party Norwich South candidate, Lesley Grahame was in attendance proudly supporting the campaign week.
Lesley Grahame said: “Bringing people together for positive change is the most effective way of achieving it. Domestic abuse is a crime, but because it’s more often a pattern that creeps up, rather than a single incident, it often goes unrecognised until something happens that’s too serious to deny. This week is about recognising and preventing the misery that domestic abuse causes.”
The campaign week is coordinated to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination for the Violence Against Women that occurs on 25th November. The UN state that 35% of women and girls globally experience some form of physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes. Alongside this, 250 million women are alive today who were married before the age of 15 [2].
Activities across Norfolk during the week include a pledge wall, drama productions and a youth football match among other events [3]. The launch event was presided over by High Sheriff of Norfolk, Lady Dannatt.
Lesley continued: “My work with ‘Norwich Objects’ has highlighted how the sex industry casually sexualises and objectifies women and especially very young women. It is well documented, that objectification very often leads to violence outside, but also inside the home. Also, educating and empowering our young people is one of best ways to break the cycle of objectification and abuse. Green MP Caroline Lucas has a bill in parliament [4] currently to make PSHE education a statutory requirement and this has received cross-party support. I am eager to work with Caroline on these issues and will strive to make sure people have the opportunity in school to learn about consent and healthy relationships.”
Photo: Lesley Grahame signs a multi-faceted pledge to support everyone’s right to a life free from abuse.
Links:
2. http://www.un.org/en/events/endviolenceday/
3. http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/view/NCC159429
4. http://www.carolinelucas.com/latest/pshe-debate-caroline-welcomes-cross-party-support-urges-action
