In November, members of the Independent Domestic Violence Advisory (IDVA) team attended The Pankhurst Centre to support Manchester Women’s Aid in their 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

Upon arrival, they were given a tour of the Pankhurst Museum to learn about the history of women’s activism. The volunteers and survivors of domestic violence then shared their experiences and stories with us through songs and poetry. For everyone in attendance, this was an inspiring and empowering event.

Bunting was displayed on the railings outside, showcasing artwork that had previously been finished during the drop-in sessions, along with stories of the most important 10/11 minutes of their lives; to coincide with the theme of every 11 minutes a woman dies at the hands of her partner.  It was intriguing because, whilst Manchester Women’s Aid were conducting their research, they learnt that new data had been made public indicating that a woman now dies at the hands of her partner every ten minutes – this exemplifies the need for action and change.  Further information on the UN women press release on these statistics can be found here:  One woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by their intimate partner or family member | UN Women – Headquarters

Manchester Women’s Aid is one of the many partner agencies that the IDVA service works with. They provide community-based support, refuge and safe spaces to citizens who are facing Domestic Violence. This visit was a great opportunity to come together with our partner organisation to spread awareness of the 16 days of activism, but also, the life-changing work that is being done by domestic abuse services.

To find out more about the work that Manchester Women’s Aid do please visit: ARE YOU EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC ABUSE? WE CAN… | Manchester Women’s Aid

Find out more about the Independent Domestic Violence Advisory (IDVA) Service here.