Women’s Institute Holds Anti-Violence Vigils in West Sussex

Vigils were conducted in West Sussex as part of a global initiative aimed at eradicating violence against women. The Women’s Institute (WI) organized these events in Chichester and Horsham, aligning with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Bunting was displayed, featuring the names of women from Sussex who had died violent deaths within the last five years. The WI stated that violence against women is preventable and described the relevant statistics as “horrific.” Erika Brichta, chair of the West Sussex Federation of Women’s Institutes, informed BBC Radio Sussex that addressing domestic violence has been a long-standing priority for the charity, pursued through numerous campaigns. She declared: “Violence against women and girls is preventable. Women and girls are 27 times more likely to be harassed online. In the UK, one in four women will experience domestic abuse [and] two women are killed each week by a current or former partner in England and Wales. The statistics are horrific.” The events on Monday were part of a 16-day period of activism, concluding on International Human Rights Day on 10 December. “If men wear a white ribbon to say domestic violence is not in their name, that’s good,” Ms Brichta stated. “If women wear an orange flower, which is the United Nations’ colour, that also shows their support.” She also mentioned that women could volunteer at their local refuge. She further added: “We had representatives from Safe In Sussex at both vigils, and we’ve been fundraising for them. They desperately need funds.”