We have been recognised nationally for our work and commitment on tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence by White Ribbon UK. The UK charity which campaigns to stop male violence on women and girls, has awarded the Council its White Ribbon Accreditation for a second time for acknowledging the Council’s zero acceptance of abuse and violence in the workplace and demonstrating that it is meeting its duties under the Public Sector Equality Act 2010.

The status comes on the first day of Torbay’s 16 Days of Action campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence. The campaign is just one of the ways we are working our partners across Devon to help tackle the issues of domestic abuse whilst also providing the necessary services to help victims get the support and advice they need. 

This year’s 16 Days of Action will include a travelling sofa, which will pop up around the 3 towns inviting people to find out more about support services available. The sofa will be at Union Square, Torquay on 26 November, Brixham Harbourside on 1 December, St Marychurch Precinct on 6 December and Paignton Green on 7 December.

The Standing Tall Partnership will be visiting businesses across the Bay asking them to support action against domestic violence by taking part in a short film that will be documenting this year’s campaign.

Riviera FM will also be carrying out interviews with a wide range of statutory agencies, commissioned services and community groups live on air. These interviews will be focusing on the different elements of domestic abuse and sexual violence and the vital work carried and support these groups provide.

Cllr Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, said; “Receiving the White Ribbon Accreditation is tremendous news and highlights how hard we are working with partner organisations to tackle domestic abuse and violence here in Torbay.”

“This year’s 16 Days of Action aims to raise the awareness of the work our local partners provide on a daily basis and the range of support that is available who need it. We know that domestic abuse affects people from all walks of life and that people’s experiences and the affects it has upon them are different. By highlighting our wide range of support services here in the bay we hope to show victims that there are many ways to access help and advice in a way that is most suitable for them.”

Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council said; “As a Council, we are committed to supporting victims to help get the support and advice they need. There are many forms of domestic abuse and violence which can be both physical and emotional. As well as our support services and agencies, residents can also visit the Are You OK website which is full of advice and guidance for anyone who feel they might be in a domestic abuse relationship or maybe knows a friend or family member who may be experiencing some form of domestic abuse.  

Other events taking place across the 16 Days of Action include;

• Film and Media Students at South Devon College are producing a short film about the work of the Standing Tall Partnership and domestic abuse and violence support in Torbay.
• On 30 November at 6:15pm Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Service will be carrying out a Reclaim the Night march through Torquay’s high street. This is part of the worldwide movement to combat the threats, harassment and violence that women face every single day, especially at night.
• At 10am on Friday 10 December, Refuge4Pets will be organising a dog walk from Paignton Pier to raise awareness of the abuse of pets in abusive relationships.
• A projection of Torbay’s support services being projected in Brixham Town Centre and at Fleet Walk in Torquay.

For a full list of events and Riviera FM radio interview schedule, as well as a list of support services that can be accessed by everyone, please visit the Are You OK website.