Want to help us make a difference ? – here are some things you can do to help:
Include the link to the Femicide Census www.femicidecensus.org Highlight that in the 1,425 killings of women by men in the UK over the last 10 years, as discussed in the report, common patterns were found; in terms of relationships, weapons and methods and women had often told someone about their abuse, the perpetrators often had known histories of violence and abuse and yet these women were still killed.
Local news (print and broadcast TV and Radio) are often looking for stories, so it can be easier to garner local media interest, you could:
The Femicide Census is independent of government funding and has undertaken all its work to date either through the good will and free time of the founders or through funding from individual private donors or grant making trusts. Donations are much needed and very welcome, similarly, you can fundraise e.g. sponsored runs, cook-offs etc and all sorts of other ideas.
In addition, specialist women only and BME women only charities all over the Country are struggling, you can also find your local service and donate to them too.
Sometimes violence against women organisations in your area can use the support of volunteers, it is not always possible, but it is worth getting in touch and offering if you have time or skills to share.
In addition to writing to your MP as we’ve suggested above, there are often a range of other activist opportunities to challenge violence against women, challenge policies which entrench poverty for some, challenge the hostile environment towards migrant rights, support the rights of people with disabilities, get involved in anti-racist campaigning and a host of other areas which also directly or indirectly may have a disproportionate impact on women experiencing violence. We highlight a few campaigns you may want to support here:
With the material accompanying this event there are a range of links to frontline services which may be able to help. You may be able to find a safe way to share information with a victim or to help to contact support organisations on behalf of a victim is she wishes you to do so. In an emergency, of course, you may need to call the police.
But remember, women living with violence and abuse need to make their own decisions about what they want to do and when and how to minimise risk to themselves in doing so.
Similarly, if you overhear or witness people making insensitive and inappropriate comments about men’s violence against women or just ignoring it when it happens, then, if it is safe to do so, challenge such attitudes. People will often agree with you and be uncomfortable about it too – we cannot ignore such attitudes as they enable perpetrators and lead to impunity.
The Femicide Census is a unique source of comprehensive information about women who have been killed in the UK and the men who have killed them.