Not ok. Never ok.
A district united against domestic abuse and sexual violence
Domestic abuse and sexual violence are not just private matters. They are societal issues that impact families, communities, and generations. They thrive in silence, hidden behind closed doors, but the message from across the district is now loud and clear: domestic abuse and sexual violence is Not ok. Never ok.
Recently, nearly one hundred senior leaders from across key sectors, including health, education, local authority, policing, commissioned services, and partner organisations, came together for a pivotal event hosted at the University of Bradford. This gathering marked more than a meeting; it was a collective commitment to challenge abuse, raise awareness, and drive meaningful action.
The event brought together individuals in positions of influence and trust, all recognising that tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence cannot fall to one organisation alone. It requires a coordinated, system-wide response.
The aim of the event was:
- To educate attendees on the realities and impact of abuse
- To galvanise action by encouraging leaders to take ownership within their own sectors
By coming together, participants acknowledged that every service, from schools to hospitals, policing to social services, to the Children and Families Trust plays a vital role in identifying, preventing, and responding to abuse.
At the heart of the event stood a striking visual: a red door installation, symbolising the hidden nature of domestic abuse and what happens behind closed doors – abuse that is often unseen and unheard.
This powerful centrepiece invited reflection and action. Participants were asked to consider:
- What can I do differently?
- How can my organisation better support victims and survivors?
- What concrete steps can we take to prevent abuse?
Attendees then made tangible pledges, writing down specific actions they would commit to—whether improving staff training, strengthening safeguarding processes, increasing awareness campaigns, or enhancing support pathways.
These pledges were then posted through the red door, transforming it into a collective declaration of intent. Each commitment symbolised a step toward cultural change moving from awareness to action.
Alongside the door and pledges, a deeply moving exhibition captured the attention of everyone present: 134 pairs of red shoes. Each pair represented a woman who had lost her life at the hands of an abusive partner. The visual impact was immediate and profound. Rows of empty shoes stood as a stark reminder of lives cut short. The exhibition served as both a memorial and a call to action. It reinforced the urgency of the work ahead and the consequences of inaction.
While the event was powerful, its true impact lies in what happens next. This event at the University of Bradford marks a significant step forward in the district’s response to domestic abuse and sexual violence. But real change requires sustained effort, continued collaboration, and collective accountability.
By turning commitments into action, and action into lasting change, we can begin to ensure that fewer lives are affected, fewer doors conceal harm, and fewer red shoes are needed to tell these stories.
Because domestic abuse and sexual violence is Not ok. It is never ok.