Progress Housing Group is backing a national campaign against domestic violence.
The ‘I’m a Real Man’ campaign, organised by national charity Women’s Aid, aims to encourage people to take a stand against domestic and sexual abuse. Many of Progress Housing Group’s staff are wearing campaign t-shirts displaying the ‘I’m a Real Man’ logo to raise awareness of domestic violence and to signpost victims to the South Ribble Domestic Violence Helpline, which is run by Clare House, South Ribble Women’s Refuge.
Progress Care Housing Association, part of Progress Housing Group, owns and manages South Ribble Women’s Refuge, which supports women and their children fleeing domestic abuse by providing safe accommodation and welfare services. Since opening its doors in 2000, the refuge has provided a safe haven to over 500 women and their children. Refuge staff have supported a further 200 women through its community resettlement service.
To mark the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, which runs worldwide from 25th November until 10th December, reception staff at Progress Housing Group’s offices at Sumner House in Leyland, plus twenty tradesmen from the Group’s Property Services Division, which carries out repairs and improvements on over 6,000 homes across Lancashire, are wearing the campaign t-shirts to spread the message that the Group takes a zero tolerance approach to domestic violence.
Liz Stanton, Manager of South Ribble Women’s Refuge, Clare House, said: In our local area five women have died in the last two years due to domestic violence. Through taking part in the campaign we hope to let people know that help is out there for those suffering domestic violence and that we can offer support and a safe haven for those wishing to flee an abusive situation.”
Jacqui De-Rose, Chief Executive of Progress Housing Group, said: “We are keen to support the ‘I’m a real man’ campaign to promote our zero tolerance approach to domestic violence. Our tradesmen visit around 700 homes a week across Lancashire so, sadly, they will have been in homes where domestic violence may occur. By wearing the t-shirts during the 16 days we hope to help raise awareness of the support that is available to victims of domestic violence.”
The t-shirts worn by staff have been funded by local supporter Bishop Michael, founder of The Order of On Call Clergy, who regularly raises funds for South Ribble Women’s Refuge. Supporters of the campaign can sign up to the ‘Real Man’ pledge at Progress Housing Group’s Sumner House office on King Street, Leyland or online at www.realmancampaign.com/sign-the-pledge
Violence against women and children is a global issue for everyone. Around the world, more than one in four women are beaten or sexually abused in their lifetime. In the UK, on average two women a week are killed by a male partner or former partner. Domestic Violence is the biggest killer of women aged between the ages of 15 to 44 years old, more than cancer, war or malaria.
If you are concerned about someone who may be at risk of domestic abuse, phone the South Ribble Domestic Violence Helpline in confidence on 01772 435865 or email clarehouse@progressgroup.org.uk. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
