A Hampshire group has made a towering statement in support of a landmark campaign against domestic abuse.

The Spinnaker Tower turned orange last Friday to create awareness of the campaign to end Domestic Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG). 

The move was made in support of the 16-day “Orange The World” campaign by Soroptimist International from November 25 to December 10.

Members of the Winchester & District – which includes Petersfield – and Solent East SI groups came together in support of the lighting-up campaign.

The Winchester Guildhall clock was also lit up orange in support of the group, which aims to improve the lot of women and girls across the world. 

The group works closely with Winchester Women’s Refuge and the Stop Domestic Abuse agency in Havant. The Bishops of Portsmouth and Winchester have both voiced “wholehearted” support for the campaign while the High Sheriff of Hampshire, Amelia Riviere, has backed the bid.

She said: “Domestic violence is a hidden scourge with little respect for class or circumstance.

“Tragically domestic abuse can become learnt behaviour and travel down the generations. 

“Unless a torch is shone on it and domestic abuse becomes better understood and there is proper education about the nature and impact of domestic violence this will continue to be the case. Awareness is a start and a vital one.”

Saturday was also White Ribbon Day in which people wear a white ribbon to show they do not condone violence forwards women.