Taking a stand on gender-based violence in Benissa

BENISSA council is taking a firm stand against gender-based violence.
The local authority’s Equality department has put together a full programme of events and activities for November to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on the 25th.
On the morning of Saturday 16 there will be the ‘balconies against violence’ initiative at the market between 11am and 1pm. The following Saturday morning the MATRIA Victims’ Association will collaborate on the ‘vaccination against violence, again at the market’.
The Casas de Batlle will be the venue for an informative talk titled ‘You are not alone in Benissa in facing gender violence’ on Thursday 21.
On the actual Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women there will be a grand demonstration against gender-based violence in the Plaza Jaume I at 7.30pm, followed by a themed performance by pupils from the Josep Iborra institute.
The council also invites local bars, restaurants and cafes to join a campaign of messages against gender-based violence on serviettes and serviette holders throughout November.
Commenting on the programme and the recent death of a woman in Denia, seemingly at the hands of her ex-partner, Benissa Equality councillor Lorena Ivars stressed “Public administrations must continue working to bring an end to this scourge.
“Symbolic acts are not sufficient”, the councillor added.
“In the 25N demonstration we will also demand of the central government, whatever its political colour, a budget commitment in regard to security and social services, two important areas for stemming this sexist wave.”