Women’s Aid 35th birthday celebrated by councillors
A number of Birmingham City Councillors lent their support to an event today, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the foundation of Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid (BSWA).
Amongst those on hand to inspect statues decorated with the colours and symbols of the international anti-violence against women movement was Cllr James McKay, Cabinet Member for Inclusion and Community Safety.
Female statues including the The River (aka The Floozie in the Jacuzzi) were adorned in sashes of purple and green, while male figures (including the Iron Man in Victoria Square) wore either a white ribbon or white sash for the men’s campaign against violence towards women.
Cllr McKay said: “For 35 years, our Women’s Aid have been championing the needs of women and children experiencing domestic violence and Birmingham City Council is pleased to join with them in their anniversary celebrations and continued commitment to challenge domestic violence wherever and whenever it occurs.
“Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid are a treasured organisation in the city. They not only provide highly regarded and respected services but they also challenge the city’s services to be the best they can be in keeping women and children safe and ensuring that their voices are heard.
“Birmingham City Council has shown its commitment to addressing domestic violence by bucking the national trend and increasing the amount of refuge space available for domestic violence victims and their children. We are embarking on a review of the domestic violence strategy which will ensure that the lessons from domestic homicide reviews fully inform future planning to protect victims and children further.
“To strengthen our response, the City Council has also recently commissioned a new helpline and triage service provided by Women’s Aid. If you are a victim of domestic violence; worried about someone you know or are another professional seeking help and advice, please call 0808 800 0028.”
