Guthlaxton pupil wins competition to design the new logo for the Oadby and Wigston domestic violence forum
Seventeen-year-old Zoe Lord has been chosen as the winner of a competition to design the logo for the Oadby and Wigston domestic violence forum.
The pupil from Guthlaxton College received her prize, a top of the range iPod, from the Chair of the forum, Inspector Jon Brown from Leicestershire Constabulary’s South area.
Zoe said: "Domestic violence is a very serious issue that affects a lot of families across the country. Unfortunately many people don’t want to talk about it or get support because they might be too scared or embarrassed. There are lots of agencies people can contact to get that support, not just the police but Women’s Aid or other domestic violence helplines.
"I hope my logo design helps to encourage more people who might be suffering in an abusive relationship to pick up the phone and get support."
The Oadby and Wigston Domestic Violence Forum is made up of representatives from the local police, the Borough council and other local agencies
.Inspector Jon Brown from Leicestershire Constabulary’s South area, who Chairs the Forum, said: "Zoe’s design was just what we were looking for." Domestic violence is not a taboo subject; it needs to be spoken about if we are to help more survivors of domestic abuse, and her logo sums that up perfectly!
At this time of year we tend to see an increase in the number of offences but unfortunately we know that many go unreported. Our aim is to raise awareness about domestic violence and encourage more people to come forward and contact the various agencies that can provide vital support for them.
"Sadly we know from experience that many survivors of domestic abuse can suffer for many years before talking to someone about it, perhaps because they are unsure of what help is out there. We want those people to call the numbers provided and find out what support is there for them."
Ian Chase, anti-social behaviour coordinator for Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, who helped organise the competition, said: "We hope that this campaign highlights the good work that is going on in the area to support survivors of domestic abuse, and reassures victims who are afraid to come forward that there are many different people they can speak to in complete confidence."
Call any one of the following relevant domestic violence helpline numbers in complete confidence:
- For the Women's Aid confidential helpline dial 0116 242 6440.
- Male sufferers of domestic violence can call the National Centre for Domestic Violence on 0870 922 0704.
- For a UK-wide support service offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse contact Broken Rainbow on 08452 604 460.
- For the Rape Crisis Centre offering rape victim advice and safety planning 08452 604 460.
- Contact Victim Support on 0116 253 0101.
- For free advice call the DViP Domestic Violence Intervention Project on 0808 2000 247.
- Those who commit acts of domestic violence can contact the confidential Domestic Violence Integrated Response Project for advice on 0116 255 0004.
National Domestic Violence Awareness Week, which runs from Monday 24 to Sunday 30 November, is being fully supported by South area officers of Leicestershire Constabulary.
Officers are working in close partnership with local community safety partnerships, Women’s Aid and Sunflower FM to highlighting ways survivors of domestic violence can find help and support in complete confidence.
Inspector Jon Brown, Chairman of the Domestic Violence Forum for Oadby and Wigston, said: "If this week encourages just one person in an abusive relationship to seek help then it will be worth it.
"Sadly we know from experience that many survivors of domestic abuse can suffer for many years before talking to someone about it, perhaps because they are unsure of what help is out there."
"Domestic abuse doesn't just happen to people in intimate relationships; it can happen between any family members, in-laws or step family."
"We hope that this week highlights the good work that is going on in the area to support survivors of domestic abuse, and reassures victims who are afraid to come forward that there are many different people they can speak to in complete confidence."
Oadby and Wigston Domestic Violence Forum is also working with Guthlaxton College pupils to design a new logo for the Forum. This is being coordinated through South area officers and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council and will be unveiled during Domestic Violence awareness week.
South area officers will also be raising awareness of domestic violence and the support that is available with displays in shopping centres, community centres and other busy public places.
An Ad Van with a helpline number will be taken to towns across South Leicestershire including Oadby and Wigston, Blaby, Market Harborough and Hinckley to encourage people who want to seek help to call and speak in complete confidence to a domestic violence supporter.
In addition, Seetal Patel, Outreach Worker for Women's' Aid, a charity that works with survivors of domestic violence, has also discussed the importance of seeking support, if not from the police, then from Victim Support or other dedicated organisations.
Call any one of the following relevant domestic violence helpline numbers in complete confidence:
- For the Women's Aid confidential helpline dial 0116 242 6440.
- Male sufferers of domestic violence can call the National Centre for Domestic Violence on 0870 922 0704.
- For a UK-wide support service offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse contact Broken Rainbow on 08452 604 460.
- For the Rape Crisis Centre offering rape victim advice and safety planning 08452 604 460.
- Contact Victim Support on 0116 253 0101.
- For free advice call the DViP Domestic Violence Intervention Project on 0808 2000 247.
- Those who commit acts of domestic violence can contact the confidential Domestic Violence Integrated Response Project for advice on 0116 255 0004.
Published on Friday 30th January 2009 at 09:00