The Best Guide for the TQ12 Area

Dear Readers,

25th November marks the first day of 16 days of action to end violence against women. This international campaign was started in 1991. The 16 Days runs from November 25, International Day Against Violence Against Women to December 10, International Human Rights Day to symbolically link violence against women and human rights and to emphasise that such violence is a violation of human rights. 

To support the campaign, we've come up with 16 ways you can act today to help end domestic violence...

1. Donate to the ACT 16 days of action appeal
This year, we are looking to raise at least £6,000: that's £1 for each woman supported by our network of local member organisations over the course of the 16 days.

2. Buy your Christmas presents and donate
We've joined up with Mediastores so that you can buy gifts which contribute a donation of 20% of the purchase price to Women's Aid.

3. Print off a poster to put on your office noticeboard
We've got free posters you can download and print which publicise the Survivor's Handbook, a detailed online resource which people can access on our website to find out how to deal with domestic violence issues.


4. Tell us your story
If you've been through a domestic violence situation, your story could help others. We are often in contact with the media who need stories about domestic abuse to help raise awareness. Your contact with us will be totally confidential.


5. Learn about healing after abuse
Perhaps you have now moved on from an abusive relationship or you've got a friend who is a survivor of domestic violence, or a family member who has experienced abuse in the past. Find out about the after effects of abuse and how you can support people you know.



6. Send us a text and donate £3
All you need to do is text the word ACT to 84424*. Just two of these texts can allow us to signpost more than 800 people online to a safe refuge and help from our network of local services.



7. Forward this email
The click of your mouse will help to spread the word about domestic violence! Forward this email onto your friends and family, so they can ACT too.


8. Explode the myths about domestic violence
Tell people why women find it hard to leave a violent relationship. Tell people that domestic violence happens regardless of age, race or ethnic background. Your opinion makes a difference in changing people's attitudes to domestic violence.



9. Join Women's Aid as an individual supporter
When you join Women's Aid as a supporter, you'll receive a quarterly edition of Safe magazine, the UK's first dedicated publication about domestic abuse. You can learn what's happening in the sector and keep up to date with key issues.



10. Turn old mobiles and printer cartridges into donations
Recycle your unwanted mobile phones and printer cartridges, and Reclaim-It will donate up to £6.00 for each laser toner or inkjet cartridge and up to £24 for each mobile.


11. Attend a local event
Visit our Events Calendar to find out about upcoming domestic violence events, such as training or other activities happening in your area.



12. Raise awareness at work
Check that your employer has a domestic violence workplace policy. If they don't, contact Women's Aid - we can provide support on this issue, as well as training.



13. Sell your stuff on ebay
Raise money from your stuff at home, you don't even have to leave your house to make a difference.



14. Organise your own event
Brighten up your winter nights by organising a fundraising event which helps to raise money for Women's Aid.


Help us campaign for children
Read our new report Kidspeak, to listen to young people's voices about what they need to get help and safety. Help them get the support they need by backing our campaign for more specialist services for children in every local area (details on website from 27 Nov).


16. And finally... pamper yourself and raise money
By having a daisy soap bath, moisturing your lips with a mint lipcare stick and then wearing a lovely lipgloss... or treating your partner or friend to the same, you'll be raising funds for Women's Aid through The Body Shop.



* Messages charged at standard rate. You will receive two confirmation messages, charged at £1.50 each. Women's Aid will receive your donation net of charges applied by mobile network operators and a processing fee. If you have any questions regarding this service, please call 0117 983 7139.