SWINDON Women’s Aid will host a number of events to raise awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Week.

Once again, the charity has teamed up with the Swindon Community Safety Partnerships (SCSP) to raise awareness during the week, which runs from today to November 28.

As well as being out in force around the town centre, where they will be offering information and selling white ribbons, a number of events are scheduled to take place.

On Saturday, people can head along to a fundraising Winter Wonderland Ball, and on Friday, Swindon Women’s Aid is asking organisations to wear their pyjamas to work.

Jo Heaven, business development manager at the charity, said: “So many women and their families have to leave an abusive home in the middle of the night or without belongings. We are asking schools, colleges, work places and groups to come together in their PJs to support Swindon Women’s Aid during Domestic Violence Awareness week.

“We need people to provide donations of women’s and children’s nightwear or money for us to purchase on their behalf.”

The week will be rounded off with a special show by theatre group Sixth Sense, who will perform This Secret Life by Brian Jordan at the MECA.

The show, which is geared towards youngsters, tackles domestic abuse, as well as highlighting issues with social media.

Lin Williams, from SCSP, said: “This play includes the threats social media place in young people’s lives and shows why those aged 14 to 24 are in a higher risk category for domestic abuse.

“It’s easy to presume this issue only affects older people, when actually you are at your most vulnerable in your very first relationships.”

Swindon Women’s Refuge is the dedicated safe haven for the female victims of domestic violence, and is run by Swindon Women’s Aid. Established in 1975, it now has 20 flats and two emergency rooms after moving into purpose built premises in 2012.

Jo added: “We provide support and advice for the women and children who come to stay offering a period of calm for the women to decide what they want to do next.

“The women are supported with a dedicated key worker and Children Support Workers can help any children with anger issues and communication difficulties after the traumatic home life that they have just left. Group and one to one sessions are provided to overcome their feelings of fear and anxiety.”

Members of the public can see This Secret Life at the MECA in Swindon on December 1 at 7pm. Tickets can be booked via Sarah Wrixon on 01793 614864 or sarah@sixthsensetheatre.com.

If you are affected by domestic violence contact Swindon Women’s Aid on 01793 610610 or for more information check out www.swindonwomensaid.org.