Council and community combat violence against women and girls

Tower Hamlets Council is establishing a team of community champions who will be able to challenge sexual and other forms of abuse experienced by women and girls in the workplace and the community. The initiative is modeled on the community champions against hate crime, a scheme which has been in operation for some years. The Council hopes the champions will support all women against whom abuse has been directed and will encourage more victims to come forward and report instances of abuse.

The champions will be trained to recognise abuse, know where to signpost victims of abuse for support and understand the impact of violence against women and girls on the whole community across Tower Hamlets. They will have access to comprehensive local resources and dedicated support, and will attend quarterly meetings to keep their training up-to-date and maintain their links with the council and other support agencies.

A drop in information session for people interested in becoming champions will take place on 24th June from 10am to noon in Room 701, Mulberry Place, E14 2BG where women who are interested will be able to find out all about the programme.

•For more information in advance of the session, please email Fiona Dwyer on Fiona.dwyer@towerhamlets.gov.uk.