A SPECIAL meeting to heighten awareness of domestic abuse is planned for Huddersfield.
Local residents and community groups are invited to the next public meeting of Huddersfield Area Committee at 7pm on Tuesday, January 22.
It will be hosted at the Packhorse Gallery in the Packhorse Centre.
The theme of the meeting is domestic abuse and is entitled: What’s love got to do with it? Domestic abuse – it’s time to talk, it’s time for change!
The committee wants to work with residents and community groups to raise awareness and prevent people being affected by domestic abuse.
Clr Judith Hughes, who chairs the committee, said: “Instances of domestic abuse are more common than many people realise, particularly as abusers and victims are often skilled at hiding the abuse that takes place behind closed doors.
“And while women are more commonly victimised, men are also abused, especially verbally and emotionally, although sometimes physically as well.
“The bottom line is that abusive behaviour is never acceptable, whether it’s coming from a man, a woman, a teenager, or an older adult. We all deserve to feel valued, respected, and safe.
“For many victims domestic abuse results in poverty and also impacts on health and wellbeing.
“One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime and at least 950,000 children witness it every year.
“You are therefore likely to come into contact with friends, relatives, neighbours or colleagues affected by domestic abuse.
“Domestic abuse is protected by people’s silence. If we do not speak out against it, we become part of the problem.”
Clr Hughes urged representatives from the wide range of community and voluntary groups working in and around Huddersfield to get involved.
They can meet earlier to swap details about ways in which their groups can help.
The committee will also consider several proposals for funding from its budget.
