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The St Albans Museum and Gallery Court Room Café played host to a special event on Monday 25 November, marking the United Nations “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women”.

Local women’s group, Soroptimist International, brought the “Orange the World” campaign to Hertfordshire for the fourth year in a row, inviting organisations and businesses to put up orange lights and dress themselves or their buildings in orange, to symbolise a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls.

Bishop Alan, speaking at the event, said:

“We want to be part of the answer, as together we seek to orange the world and put a stop to this dreadful, dreadful thing that’s here in our midst.”

The event featured guest speakers including the Hertfordshire High Sheriff, the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, the St Albans Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and representatives from St Albans City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and Future Living. Their speeches offered insights into the scale of violence that sadly is a reality for many women.

Jane Slatter, Soroptimist International St Albans and District co-president added:

“The Soroptimist Orange The World Herts “Call It Out!” campaign event really put the scale of the problem of domestic abuse and violence in the spotlight. This was working together to make a difference as a community at its best.”

People joined the event who just happened to be in the Museum and said they were blown away by it all. There were students from University of Herts and many other local groups including DA Helpline, St Albans Action for Homeless, Domestic Abuse Alliance, as well as Soroptimists, Council Departments and the St Albans Police.

Soroptimists around the world are champions of the United Nations “Orange the World” campaign, which raises awareness of the many forms of violence and abuse against women and girls with “16 days of Activism” from 25 November to 10 December, Human Rights Day. This year the St Albans Soroptimists asked everyone to commit to “Call It Out!” and take action.

Further information from the Soroptimists:

Why orange?
Orange is to make others aware. It is a bright and hopeful colour, shining a light on the scourge of Domestic Abuse and on a future where it doesn’t exist.

The facts:

  • Children are damaged for a lifetime witnessing abuse (even a little)
  • 40% of Herts Police time is now taken up with Domestic Abuse
  • Coercive treatment of others (belittling/putting down etc) is a crime as well as physical and emotional abuse
  • Women are four times more likely to be victims than men

What you can do to help:

  • Intervene if it is safe to do so
  • Talk to the abuser if you know them
  • Report the behaviour if at work or college
  • Call the police
  • Call the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline who can direct you to more support


Useful numbers/contacts:


For more, please visit the campaign website here.