As part of Women’s History month, Forge went to the ‘let’s talk about abuse’ panel, to hear what they had to say about abuse against women.
The panel was organised by Lucy Potter from Sheffield Raising and Giving (Sheffield RAG) and Sheffield SU Women’s Student Officer, Eloise Taylor.
Eloise Taylor stated: “This conversation matters because abuse against women is still underrepresented and underreported.”
The charity panel began the discussion, with representatives from Together Women, YWCA Yorkshire, Mums In Need and Catcalls of Sheffield.
YWCA Yorkshire provides support for homeless young women. Claire Harding, a representative from the charity, said: “We see everyone as an individual. We listen to them, spend time with them and we believe them.”
Demelza, a representative from Mums In Need, talked about the lack of funding and support for survivors of abuse. They said:
“There are long waiting lists to get therapy on the NHS. By the time they get to the front of it, they might have already taken their life.”
The representatives spoke about what can be done to better support issues around abuse. Importance was placed on campaigns, donations and funding.
Florence Rushton and Babhravi Krishnan, co-founders of Catcalls of Sheffield, talked about the importance of education and intersectionality when talking about abuse.
Babhravi Krishnan said: “It’s about tackling people’s internalised conceptions of how abuse looks or works, and that it is never the victim’s fault.”
Camilla Brokenshire said: “If you see a situation, try and speak up, if it’s safe to, and keep campaigning.”
We were joined by Arm Wrestling World Champion, Agy Gorzynska, and sport representatives on a sports panel.
Scarlett Brahms, Social Secretary of women’s cricket, talked about the importance of sport and how it can foster an inclusive community. They said:
“Sport provides a safe space where girls can talk about their problems outside of their normal social group, escaping from tasks of everyday life.”
Anne Mynors, Club Captain of fencing, talked about having safe spaces in sport where people can talk to someone. They said:
“Fencing has GIAGs that are specific to different groups, to make it as inclusive as possible.” Recently, they had a women’s only GIAG.
As March is Women’s History Month, there are a number of other events taking place. Find out more on Instagram @sheffsu.womenstudents.
