#SilentSunday 4th December 2011

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We need to talk: start a conversation to end domestic violence

Support Refuge and Avon’s 1in4women campaign

• When?

On 25th November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and over the 16 Days of Action that follow, culminating in Human Rights Day on 10th December

• How?

By talking to someone new every day for 16 days about domestic violence and the information available at 1in4women.com

• Why?

To raise awareness of how shockingly prevalent domestic violence is, and to equip your friends, families and colleagues with the tools to help end violence against women

1in4women experience domestic violence

Everyone knows someone who has experienced, is experiencing, or will experience domestic violence – even if they don’t realise it. That’s whyRefuge believes it’s everyone’s responsibility to help end domestic violence. Our joint1in4women campaign with Avon empowers women to speak out domestic violence and reach out to a friend who may be suffering in silence. The website 1in4women.com contains a wealth of information on how to spot the signs of domestic abuse and how to support a friend who may be suffering in silence.

This year, for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25th November and over the 16 days that follow, we’re asking our supporters to start a conversation to help end domestic violence.

“Did you know one woman in every four will experience domestic violence at some point in her life?”

By talking to someone new about domestic violence and the information available at1in4women.com every day for 16 days, you’ll raise awareness of how shockingly prevalent domestic violence is and give your friends, family and colleagues the tools to spot the signs of domestic violence and support a friend who’s suffering in silence.

Pledge your support today

Help spread the word before the 25th November by updating your Facebook status:

We need to talk. One woman in every four will experience domestic violence. I’m helping Refuge and Avon end violence against women by talking to someone new about domestic violence and www.1in4women.comevery day for 16 days. Find out more: www.refuge.org.uk/we-need-to-talk

Or by posting a couple of messages on Twitter:

#1in4women experience domestic violence. I’m helping @RefugeCharity end it by telling 16 people about www.1in4women.com #weneedtotalk

#weneedtotalk Start a conversation to end domestic violence. Find out more: follow @RefugeCharity & visit www.refuge.org.uk/we-need-to-talk

How to start the conversation

It’s not easy to talk about domestic violence, but it could save a life. Two women a week are killed by a partner or ex-partner, and a further 30 women attempt suicide every day due to domestic violence. If you’re not sure how to bring up the subject with your friends and family, here are some questions that might make them think about how domestic violence affects the women in their life:

• Did you know that one woman in every four will experience domestic violence at some point in her life?
• Do you know how to spot the signs of domestic violence?
• Would you know how to support someone if you found out they were going through domestic violence?
• Did you know that there’s more to domestic violence than physical abuse?

If there are questions you don’t know how to answer, visit 1in4women.com to find out more.

Who to talk to

If you’re struggling to think of 16 different people to start the conversation with, here are some suggestions:

• best friend
• partner or spouse
• mum or dad
• manager at work
• male friend
• sister or brother
• cousin
• niece or nephew
• friend on Facebook
• grandmother or grandfather
• work colleague
• hairdresser
• friend from school
• daughter or son
• friend you folllow on Twitter
• three of your female friends – statistically, one of the four you is likely to experience domestic violence at some point in your lives

We need to talk. Start a conversation to end domestic violence from 25th November to 10th December.

For all the latest news from Refuge, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

#FlashbackFriday: growing up

I found it quite interesting to look back at old photographs of me that emerged on my mum's computer from their 40th wedding anniversary celebrations. One thing I can't believe is how skinny I was and the second is how much my daughter really does look like me:

Me at 20 days old

1977 - I still have Sebastian!

1978 all set for the local carnival in homemade costume 

Reasons to be Cheerful XXVII ( #R2BC )

I am pleased to be hosting this fabulous linky this week as Michelle continues her well earned break! It has really helped me to emphasise the positives in my life over the last few months. If you want to join in then please fill out the linky at the bottom.

Here are mine:

1) My car

It's back! There are still problems with it and looks like it will be goodbye to it soon but I am now independently mobile again. I have to thank so many people especially my parents for making lots of sacrifices to get the children and I to where we have needed to be for the last 2 weeks. My neighbour and a mum from school have also been so helpful. I was amazed at the number of people who offered me lifts and/or a loan car to get me through. Budget Tyres tried to work miracles for me and did things at cost/trade price to keep the final bill down. Just a shame the final fix would have been way too expensive...


this isn't a cheerful thing now as the intermittent fault happened way too often...

2) My daughter

On Saturday my daughter showed her business sense and made money for herself and charity painting nails at our church Advent fair. Not bad for an 8 year old and even the adults who had it done said she did a great job. Then we went on to help at a bridge tournament in memory of my granny and several people complimented myself and my mum on my daughter's behaviour and manners (so she can do it!).

3) My son

He is really coming on with his writing and reading at school which is great news. He is also very excited about being a sheep in the nativity! He may have a few wobbly moments but growing up fast.

4) Me

I have had quite a few unsolicited comments about how much slimmer I'm looking! Even my Job Centre adviser said I was looking like I'd lost weight ;-) So even if the scales aren't always going in the right direction I'm obviously doing something right!

5) Work

I have had some really good sales of books in the run up to Christmas and its always such a pleasure to see how many parents, grandparents and other relatives love to give Usborne books as presents. My final big event in the pre-Christmas push is the Staveley Winter Festival tomorrow. Here's hoping that I'll have even more reason to be cheerful after that!