Domestic abuse charity receives high-profile support for call to end violence

A support charity is helping to protect the legacy of a Derbyshire domestic abuse campaigner in calling for men to pledge their allegiance to ending violence against women as part of a national campaign.

Salcare, which provides a one-stop shop of help for vulnerable residents in Erewash, joined forces with Derbyshire Constabulary and MPs in voicing support for the annual White Ribbon Day campaign and the following 16 Days of Action in memory of local campaigner Dena Osborne. 

Dena, who sadly died last year, was the former Head of Services and was determined to bring societal change to ensure violence and abuse was never accepted. 

Salcare officials were recently joined by Brian Bilby, Derbyshire's operational force lead for domestic violence and Phil Cox, chairman of the local Multiagency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) partnership where information is shared on the highest risk domestic abuse cases between the Police and other agencies, who formally pledged their commitment to rejecting violence against women

Jacqui Bell, Salcare's new Director of Services, said: "It is vital that we keep Dena's commitment alive. She was a staunch supporter of White Ribbon Day and the 16 days to end violence against women that follow.

"Salcare is asking people in our community, local organisations and workplaces, to join forces and raise awareness over the next 16 days."

Lizzie Nugent, Salcare's Deputy Director, added: "With the murder of Sarah Everard still on everyone's minds, we hope to open up conversations about men taking action and making a stand against violence against women and girls.

"If men want to talk about it, pop in and see us, we have been funded by Derbyshire's Police and Crime Commissioner to run a programme specifically to tackle this problem for men who are worried about their behaviour. We can help."

Salcare is a community-based Family Support Service & Community Hub and has been working from its base in Heanor since 1979.  Information on its services can be found on their website - www.salcare.org.uk