City to turn orange against gender violence

Wolverhampton is preparing to turn orange as the city says 'No' to gender based violence.

Residents, businesses, schools, charities and other organisations across Wolverhampton are being encouraged to participate in 'Orange Wolverhampton' between 25 November and 10 December.

The city is attempting to raise awareness of Wolverhampton's drive to end gender-based violence - primarily committed against women and girls.

The event will also highlight the help and support that is available to victims in Wolverhampton from local and national organisations.

Last year, more than 50 organisations took part in the campaign by holding wear orange days, turning their websites and social media channels orange, sharing key messages about the campaign with staff, customers and service users, holding orange cake sales or coffee mornings, lighting their buildings orange, flying orange flags and much more.

More than 16,000 people also showed their support by wearing orange ribbons throughout the 16 day campaign.

Councillor Hazel Malcolm, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Last year's Orange Wolverhampton campaign was the biggest so far, with thousands of people showing their support in one way or another.

"We want to make this year's campaign even bigger - and this is your chance to get involved. There are so many things you can do, big and small, all of which will help raise awareness of these issues.

"The colour orange symbolises a brighter future and a world free from gender-based violence, and turning Wolverhampton Orange is an important part of our work to make sure victims know how to get the help and support they need."

Orange Wolverhampton supports the United Nations' Orange the World campaign to end violence against women and girls, which takes annually between 25th November and 10th December.

For more information and to sign up to this year's campaign, please visit the new Orange Wolverhampton website at OrangeWolves.