Here at RISE, we are incredibly proud to have the support of a wide range of incredible partners, from businesses to charities and community organisations of all sizes.
Partnerships matter in so many ways – not only do they provide cash or donations of time or items, but they also demonstrate to the people in those organisations, and who engage with them, that that organisation stands against abuse and violence. They are a vital way of spreading the message that domestic abuse is not acceptable and will not be accepted by our community.
Recently, we spoke to Norah Carr, one of Brighton & Hove Libraries’ service managers. Norah joined the library in 2002 and this conversation focuses on the work we’ve done together since she became involved in the partnership in 2011. Norah is part of the Libraries Development Team, working strategically on projects that develop the library service and its reach.
“We work with a lot of partners across the city who support us in our delivery of the Libraries Strategy and help us reach those who stand to benefit most from the library offer. And on a personal level, I’m aware that in some way, we are all affected by domestic violence, whether we know of it, have experienced it, witnessed it, or know of somebody experiencing it. It's very prevalent.”
The first event Norah was involved with was a “Living Library” event in 2011. At this event, people could speak to a ‘human book’ to hear real-life stories about domestic abuse and find out what help was available. Since then, the relationship has grown stronger.
“Libraries are safe, welcoming places for everyone,” says Norah. “When people come here, they can learn, connect, and get help if they need it. Supporting RISE is one way we make sure people know where to turn if they’re in a difficult situation.”
So, what does the support look like?
Brighton & Hove Libraries hosts RISE for key calendar events, like the 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women, as well as information tables where visitors can pick up leaflets or talk to someone from RISE. The library also promotes RISE’s services with posters and flyers so people can find information about our services while going about their day to day lives, and without having to search for it, on a potentially tracked or compromised device.
Sometimes the partnership is planned, and other times it’s more ad hoc. “RISE might get in touch about a campaign or event, and if we can help with space or increasing visibility, we do” says Norah.
This support makes a real difference. People live with domestic abuse for years - Safe Lives reports that high-risk victim/survivors live with domestic abuse for an average of 2.3 years and medium risk victim/survivors for 3 years before getting help. In many cases, victim survivors report that they did know help was available. For people coming into the library, seeing RISE’s information there might be the first step towards getting help.
Working with RISE, Norah says, is always straightforward and positive. “They’re easy to work with, and what they do is so important,” she explains. “We help in the small ways we can, but those small things can really matter.”
Our work with Brighton & Hove Libraries is a great example of non-financial support that really helps us to work towards a Brighton free from abuse and violence. We don’t need teams of volunteers to help us paint walls - we do need opportunities to talk to people, large groups of people, and get the message out that violence and abuse are not ok, and that help is available.
Do you want to be part of a community that stands against abuse and violence?
Read about how we work with other partners including Donna May London and Underground Gym and contact us here for a chat about how you can be part of a brighter future.
