A DOMESTIC and sexual abuse service has started 16 days of action to help end gender-based violence.
IDAS, which stands for Independent Domestic Abuse Services, is running the campaign until December 10 which is the United Nations Day of Human Rights.
As part of this, the service is hosting two events.
The first is a sold-out workshop and information session called Speak Together which aims to encourage people and businesses in Barnsley to play their part in ending domestic abuse.
The second event, called Pledge your Palm, aims to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence. Businesses and partners are invited to The Core, Barnsley, at 10am on Tuesday to paint their palm and leave a hand print to demonstrate a commitment to working together to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
IDAS won the contract with Barnsley Council to deliver a new service of support to both victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The service, which started in April, provides support, emergency accommodation and counselling and work with other local organisations to focus on things such as providing protection and crisis support; early help for families, teens, and people affected by sexual violence; long term recovery including access to volunteering opportunities, recovery plans, one-to-one group sessions and peer mentoring.
It will also focus on prevention with things such as training and community engagement and working with schools.
Sam Goulding, Barnsley IDAS project manager, said: “These 16 days of action really serve to highlight the extent of the problem and give us the opportunity to come together and say enough is enough, we must put a stop to the violence and abuse that is so commonplace in our society.”
IDAS is inviting people to join in with a personal palm pledge on social media. Follow IDAS on Twitter and Facebook @IDASfor100 #16days
