To commemorate the UN day to eliminate violence against women and girls on 25th November, IDAS are holding a Candlelit Vigil at 6pm in St Helen’s Square, York.
Members of the public are invited to light a candle, listen to speakers, and observe a minute of silence for all the victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Speakers at the event include: Sarah Hill, CEO of IDAS; Dani Wardman, Chief Officer of Survive York; Clarrie O’Callaghan, a local restaurant owner (Rattle Owl), and lawyer who started the country’s first Femicide Census with Karen Ingala-Smith and Women’s Aid; a Women’s Officer from the University of York, who recently ran consent talks for students to prevent confusion around what constitutes sexual violence, and Reverend Alison Micklem.
“Violence against women and girls is widespread. In North Yorkshire alone, there are over 10,000 reports to the police each year with 3,000 reports in York. Across the UK, a woman is assaulted every 6 seconds and two women are murdered every week by their former or current partner. These 16 days of action really serve to highlight the extent of the problem and give us the opportunity to come together and say enough is enough, we must put a stop to the violence and abuse that is so commonplace in our society.” Sarah Hill, CEO of IDAS
Anyone affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence can contact IDAS on their 24-hour helpline 03000 110 110 or via the website www.idas.org.uk
