Merton has become one of the first London boroughs to join a national campaign against domestic violence and sexual assault.
Merton Council today (Monday 12 September) officially pledged its support to the UK Says No More campaign to get people talking about domestic violence and sexual assault and promote the local help available.
The council runs a One Stop Shop for victims every Monday, apart from Bank Holidays, between 9.30am and 12pm at Morden Baptist Church. The service is celebrating its sixth anniversary this year.
More than 1,300 reports of domestic violence and abuse were made to Merton Police in the last 12 months to 2 August.
The One Stop Shop has supported 1,209 people since it started six years ago.
WATCH: Paul Merton among those to say ‘the UK Says No More to domestic violence.’
A No More campaign launch event at the Civic Centre in Morden was due to see the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser give a speech to guests before raising a flag outside in honour of the campaign.
Talks were due to be given by councillors, community safety officers and Merton Police, who work in partnership with the council to promote services available, help support victims and change perceptions of domestic violence.
The No More campaign, which started in the United States of America, aims to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault and the help that is available.
In the UK, the campaign is overseen by the charity Hestia which provides refuges and support for victims of domestic abuse.
Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Katy Neep, said: “I am very happy to support the No More campaign to help raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community.
“I hope that by raising awareness of the issues, people will be able to discuss any concerns they have and know where to seek help should they, or anyone they know, need it.”
Pamela Zaballa, head of policy women and children services at Hestia said: “We are thrilled to have Merton on board as a London borough partner to UK Says No More. We hope that all local authorities across the UK will join the campaign to eradicate this problem to bring about a major change in the way people react to instances of abuse.
“In order for us to successfully put an end to domestic violence and sexual assault we need every person living in the UK today to stand up against this issue, and put an end to by-standing.”
Pledge your support for the No More campaign on social media using the hashtags #Mertondv and #UKsaysnomore.
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Editor’s notes
Call Victim Support on 020 7801 1777, or the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Find out how the council tackles violence against women and girls at merton.gov.uk.
Images show council officer Zoe Gallen, Darren Tulley, London Fire Brigade’s Merton borough commander, Wimbledon firefighters, Cabinet member Edith Macauley, police officers and Lyndsey Dearlove (Hestia)
About Hestia
They are a charity working with 9,000 vulnerable adults and children, to bring about positive changes in their lives at a time when they need it most.
For regular updates of Hestia’s work and the UK Says No More campaign, follow Hestia on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram
About UK Says No More
Facilitated by Hestia, the campaign involves a broad coalition of advocacy and service organisations, leading corporations, media companies and major advertising, branding, and design firms.
A signature pin will raise visibility, create awareness, encourage conversation, and help break the social stigma surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault.
Follow the campaign on social media. Twitter Facebook Instagram YouTube