Violence victims honoured with petal ceremony on River Taw

Flower petals will be scattered on the River Taw in Barnstaple on Friday, November 29 in memory of those women and girls who have lost their lives to violence and for all those who continue to suffer or live with the trauma of abuse.

The moving event will take place at 11am on the Square by the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon and is organised annually by members of Soroptimist International Barnstaple and District.

In partnership with North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA), it is held in the same week as the start of the 16 Days of Action campaign to eradicate violence against women and girls, which begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The Office for National Statistics estimates there are more than two million cases of abuse per year across England and Wales, with the number likely to be even higher as many go unreported.

NDADA operates the only domestic abuse refuge in Devon for women and children, with the charity currently receiving around 1,100 referrals a year, though it is feared many cases never come to light.

The petal scattering will be attended by local police and council representatives, with some short speeches to highlight the ever-growing issue of violence and abuse, before dried petals are scattered on the river in memorium.

Event organiser Irene Hockin of Barnstaple Soroptimists said: “We have been holding this event for many years now, to raise awareness of domestic abuse in all its forms and to assure those men, women and children who are victims that there is support out there for them.

“It is terribly sad to think that in our supposedly enlightened age of 2024 we are still raising awareness of this horrible issue and in fact, the statistics show it is getting worse. Some of the cases we hear about belong in Victorian times, not in the 21 ^st century.

“But we are not giving up and it is vital to make more people aware of these evil crimes and for all of us to call out the perpetrators, as well as to urge victims to come forward and get the help they need.

“All are welcome to join us on November 29 and help spread the word.”

Hannah Ashford, CEO of NDADA, added: “Domestic abuse and violence against women and girls continues all day, every day and right under our noses here in Devon too, nowhere is immune.

“If you suspect someone is living with abuse, we would urge you to report it – our communities need to stand together and say we will not tolerate this any longer.

“If you are being abused, we know how difficult it is, but please seek help, people will listen and support you – but please also stay safe and do not put yourself in the way of further harm.”

Anyone suffering from domestic abuse or who knows of someone else who is trapped in an abusive situation can report abuse by calling the police on 101, or call North Devon Against Domestic Abuse on 01271 370079 or visit the website for help and advice at https://ndada.co.uk.