Two women die and at least one child loses their mother every week in the UK as a result of Domestic Abuse. What is also deeply disturbing is that there were over 10,000 domestic abuse related crimes and incidents in North Somerset in 2020/21, and we know that this is just the tip of the iceberg as many women do not report it.
This is also the case with rape and sexual abuse, we know that one in four women in England and Wales have been raped or sexually assaulted, with the highest number of rapes being recorded by police this year; yet statistics show that only five out of six women ever report it to the police. The purpose of the candle lit procession is to raise public awareness of domestic abuse and rape and let victims know about the services that can help them.
The vigil will take place at Grove Park, Weston-Super-Mare from 4:30pm on Friday, 9th December.
Here, two larger candles will be lit to symbolise the two women who die each week through domestic abuse in this country. There will also be a minute’s silence for gatherers to pay their respects to those whose lives have affected by domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault.
We are encouraging anyone to come and join us in person if they can.
If you can please bring a jam jar or portable tealight holder.