Every year, November 25 marks the United Nations day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Very often at this time of year women are portrayed as victims of crime, yet there are many strong women in our local communities. These women may have been victims of abuse, supported those who have been, or who have faced other challenges in their lives
This year, the Safer Harlow Partnership wanted to honour strong women in Harlow by asking residents to nominate women who they feel deserves a Blooming Strong Woman award.
A judging panel has selected seven local women for an award. Three of the women are survivors of domestic abuse and three have shown great strength and commitment in supporting abused women and children. The final award went to a woman who in midst of fighting against cancer, has found the strength to support many other women in the community who are going through the same experience.
Jan Dalrymple, CEO of Safer Places, said: “It was a privilege to be a part of the panel seeing all the nominations for the Blooming Strong Woman Awards. The seven women who have been selected to receive a bouquet are certainly Blooming Strong Women and totally deserving of this recognition. They are indeed an inspiration to us all!”
If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence there is help available:
Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0330 3337 444. Helpline available from 8am to 8pm weekdays and 8am to 1pm weekends. Messages will be responded to within 24hrs.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 – 24 hour Freephone Helpline
Safer Places: 0330 102 5811
