For Sabina Nessa
We in Brighton & Hove are deeply saddened and angered at the seemingly random attack and violent killing of Sabina Nessa, a woman walking in her local park in the early evening, on her way to meet a friend.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Sabina at this incredibly difficult time.
Every woman and girl should feel safe in their streets, in their parks and open spaces and in their homes.
It is unacceptable that once again the focus and messages from policy makers and the media is on what actions women and girls can do to protect themselves and not on addressing deep rooted violent societal attitudes towards women. We urge policy makers to address this and act.
Brighton & Hove City Council is committed to supporting survivors of violence against women and girls. Harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated against anyone in our community. We all have the right to feel safe.
A vigil has been organised for Sabina by the Clap Back Club to take place today, Friday 24 September, between 7pm and 8pm at Valley Gardens.
If you cannot attend, please light a candle in your home or virtually on your social media platform using the hashtag #SaySabinasName
We have today lowered the flags at Hove Town Hall and Brighton Town Hall in memory of Sabina Nessa and to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.
How to get help
You can report domestic violence and abuse to the police online, or:
- phone 101
- in person at your local police station
Remember if you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the Police.
If it is not safe for you to speak you can use the Silent Solution system - call 999, and if you don’t speak you will be diverted to an automated system. You can then press 55 to be transferred to the local police force.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), or Clare’s Law, is a way to find out if your partner has a history of domestic abuse and may pose a risk to you. Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application.
Specialist services
If you’ve been affected by domestic violence and want to find out more about the help, advice and support available locally, contact the Brighton and Hove Domestic Abuse Support Service at Victim Support. Send an email to b&hdass@victimsupport.org.uk or phone 0300 323 9985, if all the staff are on other calls please do leave a message and someone will call you back as soon as possible.
Victim Support is specialist domestic abuse support in Brighton & Hove. Providing independent information, advice, support and advocacy to victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Brighton & Hove, including:
- access to 24/7 helpline & webchat
- 1-2-1 casework support from trained Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs)
- Hospital IDVA based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital
- Criminal Justice IDVA to provide support through the criminal justice system
Go to the Victim Support website for more information.
Stonewater provide the specialist Brighton Refuge provision. It provides safe accommodation and support for women (18+) and their children, aged 0 to 18, who are fleeing domestic abuse.
They have a specialist staff team who are trained in:
- Trauma Informed Care
- substance use support
- mental health support
- Psychologically Informed Environments
If you need a Refuge space, please contact Stonewater on 01293 780419 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or send an email to Brighton.Refuge@stonewater.org.
If all the staff are on other calls, please do leave a message and someone will call you back as soon as possible.
If you need information about Refuge spaces nationally or outside of office hours, please contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline. Phone 0808 2000 247 or go to the National Domestic Abuse website for more information.
You will be listened to and you will be helped.
Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council and Convenor of the Green Group
Councillor Carmen Appich and Cllr John Allock, Co-Leaders of the Labour Group
Councillor Steve Bell, Leader of the Conservative Group