Poignant Barnstaple petal scattering in memory of victims of domestic violence

A veil of flower petals will descend onto the River Taw in Barnstaple this Friday (November 28) in memory of all those lost to the scourge of domestic violence and abuse.

The poignant event will take place at 11am on the Square by the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon and will pay tribute to the women and girls who have lost their lives and for all those who continue to live under the shadow and trauma of abuse.

The petal scattering is organised each year by members of Soroptimist International Barnstaple and District, with support from North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA).

It is held in the same week as the start of the 16 Days of Action campaign to eradicate violence against women and girls, which begins today (Tuesday, November 25) on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on December 10.

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Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates in the year ending to March 2025, an estimated 10.6% of people aged 16 years and over were victims of at least one of the crime types of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking in the last year (12.8% of women and 8.4% of men).

This equates to more than five million people, more than three million of those being women.

The petal scattering on Friday will be attended by local police and council representatives, including the Mayor of Barnstaple, Councillor Janet Coates, with short speeches from 11am to highlight the ever-growing issue of violence and abuse, before dried petals are scattered on the river in tribute.

Event organiser Irene Hockin of Barnstaple Soroptimists said: “We hope as many people as possible will join us on Friday to help shine a light on the terrible spectre of domestic abuse, that continues to thrive in the shadows.

“Whether you have been personally affected by it, you know someone who has, are still suffering from abuse yourself or simply want to raise awareness, you are very welcome.

“Every year I say we shouldn’t be talking about this issue in the 21st century, but we are and it is still happening - to the year ending March 2024 there were 262 domestic abuse related deaths, 98 of these suspected suicides following domestic abuse.

“We want people to know they do not have to accept being, bullied, abused or controlled and to assure all victims of every age and gender that there is support out there for them.”

North Devon Against Domestic (NDADA) operates the only domestic abuse refuge in Devon for women and children, with the charity currently receiving around 1,100 referrals a year, though it is feared many cases never come to light.

Anyone suffering from domestic abuse or who knows of someone else who is trapped in an abusive situation can report abuse by calling the police on 101, or call North Devon Against Domestic Abuse on 01271 370079 or visit the website for help and advice at https://ndada.co.uk.