Soroptimists’ campaign continues fight against male violence to women

Local women’s group Soroptimist International St Albans and District are running their Orange the World campaign for the sixth year to raise awareness of male violence against women.

Starting on Tuesday, the International Day to End Violence Against Women, this year’s initiative sees The Odyssey cinema, The Great Northern pub and St Albans Museum + Gallery illuminated orange to highlight the campaign.

This year the Soroptimists have been working even more closely with SADC, which gained White Ribbon status three years ago, and continue to support the global United Nations’ Orange the World Campaign from November 25 to December 10: 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women.

There were multiple Orange the World and White Ribbon events on Tuesday in St Albans, including an awareness-raising walk putting up posters about the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline in public places and in local businesses.

SADC leader Cllr Paul de Kort, Harpenden Mayor Cllr Beth Fisher, local police, councillors and staff joined the Soroptimists on the walk

The main event took place in the Council Chamber, with guests including St Albans Mayor Cllr Teresa Heritage,The Very Rev’d Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans, Emma Robarts, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Herts and Det Ch Insp Mike Birch.

The keynote speaker was a survivor of domestic abuse, who said: “I hope that by sharing my story, someone else will feel less alone. Because domestic abuse doesn’t look one way. It doesn’t only happen to certain types of women. It doesn’t begin with violence – it’s a slow burn.

“If we want women to speak up – truly speak – we must build systems where disclosure doesn’t feel like a risk. Where truth feels safer than silence. Where women don’t have to choose between danger and disbelief. We must educate our young people around healthy relationships, boundary setting, self esteem and red flags.

“We must keep the conversations going. If sharing my journey can help even one woman feel seen… one professional understand the invisible dynamics… or one person notice the signs earlier… Then every tremor you have heard in my voice today has been worth it.”

Afterwards Neil Kieran, SADC’s White Ribbon champion said: “This has been the best ever White Ribbon Day event – I think the training, the walk and the talks in the Chamber were really impactive and will bring in some real practical changes.”