Bolton Town Hall will be illuminated orange to shine as a beacon against domestic abuse

And residents and organisation throughout Bolton are being encouraged to follow suit and dress or light up their rooms or buildings in orange in solidarity.

Bolton at Home's Valley House will light up orange, as part of the of the 16 Days of Activism international campaign, which started this year on 25 November, with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December which is Human Rights Day.

"Orange the World" is a theme inspired by the United Nation's End to Violence against Women campaign, which highlights the 243 million women and girls who were abused by an intimate partner in the last year.

As a result of the pandemic, calls to domestic abuse helplines have increased by up to 500 per cent.

The Bolton based She Inspires Foundation Community Interest Company, is leading the Orange The World campaign in Bolton.

People are encouraged to take part from home and share pictures on social media with the hashtag #OrangeTheWorld.

She Inspires has also been supported by the Government's Coronavirus Response Fund to stage a series of empowerment through art workshops and a short documentary to spread awareness about Clare’s Law as part of the #SafeThanSorry project in support of victims of domestic abuse.

Gulnaz Brennan, said: “Domestic a

Abuse is one of the most heinous of acts against the most vulnerable. We cannot afford to look the other way and need to unite to against abuse in any and every form. We will be commence our documentary shoot n January. Any organisations, residents, charities who like to be part of it, please contact us at gulnaz@sheinspiresfoundation.org.uk

Gemma Parlby, Bolton at Home’s Director of Housing Services, said: “Campaigns that challenge violence against others are vital and we encourage people to show their support.

“We work sensitively and with other organisations and specialist partners to tackle domestic abuse all year round. We have a dedicated support service which provides housing, additional security measures, personal support and safety planning, and ongoing support for victims and survivors through a range of community projects. Please get in touch with us if you’re a tenant and need help.”

Tomorrow, there will be discussions taking place at Facebook page SheInspiresFd.

Follow @SheInspiresFD on Facebook for a variety of streamed activities, a range of art workshops, dance performances, poetry readings and a talk about the need to end violence against women.