Suffolk Libraries are also supporting the White Ribbon campaign. Set up through Suffolk County Council’s Domestic Abuse Champions Network - which now consists of more than 1300 Domestic Abuse Champions - all Suffolk Libraries continue to offer ‘Safe Spaces’ for victim-survivors of domestic abuse.
Krystal Vittles, Suffolk Libraries Deputy Chief Executive, added: “All our 45 libraries are safe spaces offering a welcoming and non-judgemental environment where someone affected by domestic abuse can find help. All our staff receive safeguarding training which covers how to support someone who may be in fear of violence and how to refer them to organisations who can help. We are pleased to support this campaign and by raising awareness of our safe spaces Suffolk Libraries is proud to play our part in Changing the Story.”
Safe Spaces provide an accessible safe and discrete environment where anyone, whether they are experiencing domestic abuse themselves, or if they’re worried about someone else, can speak to someone in the library in confidence and be referred to the organisations who can support them. A visit to the library may offer someone the chance to get away from their abuser and so provides an ideal opportunity to speak to someone in confidence.
Visit https://uksaysnomore.org/safespaces/ to find other safe spaces in Suffolk.
Those wishing to pledge their support for the White Ribbon campaign should visit https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/, or follow Suffolk County Council’s social media channels, using the hashtags #ChangeTheStory and #LookCloserSuffolk for further information on how to get involved in the county’s 16 days of action.
Anyone who is worried that they, or someone they know, may be a victim of domestic abuse can call the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline free of charge 24 hours a day on 0800 977 5690.
Perpetrators can contact the Respect Phoneline on 0808 802 4040 for confidential advice on how to stop hurting the one they love.
