Flashmob at Yate Shopping Centre to raise awareness of abuse against women

A Valentine's Day flashmob performance to raise awareness of abuse against women is taking place tomorrow at Yate Shopping Centre.

Staff from South Gloucestershire Council will join members of the community for the event at 12.30pm tomorrow (February 14).

It is part of a global campaign called 'One Billion Rising', which is a day of action happening around the world to help put a stop to violence against women and girls.

The spontaneous dance will be performed by council workers, members of the charity Survive and anyone at the shopping centre who would like to join in. A music track entitled 'Break the Chain' has been specially written for the event.

Emma Britt works at Yate Children's Centre and is organising the shopping centre event. She said: "Domestic abuse effects one in every three women and many suffer in silence and feel alone in their pain. I hope this event will raise awareness of this campaign and the support available to women and girls locally. It is vital to raise awareness of domestic abuse and to support victims in disclosing their experiences and to seek the support they need to stop the violence and abuse."

Anna Smith, Chief Executive of Survive, added: "Survive is proud to be involved in this creative and effective event which will raise awareness of the reality of everyday violence towards women and girls. We hope the action of One Billion Rising will inspire those who can to work towards changing the stark 1:3 statistics, reducing incidents of violence and improving services for those affected."