A thought-provoking anti-violence monument has arrived in Derbyshire ready to begin a county-wide tour, arriving in Chesterfield on Wednesday, 14th December.
Originally created for Manchester, the 11ft tall monument was created using various weapons, including knives and firearms, seized from the city’s streets.
The monument represents a firm stance against all forms of violence and the visit is set to highlight Derbyshire Police’s dedication to preventing, and talking about, acts of violence.
Whilst it is in Derbyshire, officers will be on hand to give advice, answer any questions and talk to visitors. The aim is to prevent violence, whatever it’s form, through a dedicated campaign which seeks to spread the anti-violence message across Derbyshire and beyond. It is hoped the bee will also get people thinking and talking about the issues affecting their communities and what they can do if they have concerns.
The visit follows the success of the knife angel’s visit to Derbyshire, which is made by the same company and started some really key conversations in communities.
The bee will also be spreading its wings and its messaging to youngsters in a number of schools and colleges during its month-long trek across Derbyshire.
Knitters and crafters have also been sending in hand-made bees, and whilst visitors are speaking to officers there will be the chance to grab one of these, which will contain anti-violence messaging, and sign up to our e-mail alert system, Derbyshire Alert.
Anyone who picks up one of these bees is encouraged to share their photos and engage with us on social media, tagging Derbyshire Constabulary and using the hashtag #BeeUnitedAgainstViolence.
Chief Superintendent Hayley Barnett, from Derbyshire Constabulary, was there to welcome the bee and said: “This is very much about education, this is about getting the message out there that, as a society, we will not tolerate violence in any form.
“Whether that’s domestic abuse, whether that’s violence against women or girls, or knife and gun crime which is very much about what this monument depicts.
“All of the guns and knives were recovered from the streets of Manchester, so, every one of those represents, for me, one life saved potentially and also preventing that impact on the families as well.
“So I think it’s a really important piece to get that message out there that we want to both reduce violence and absolutely preventing it in the first place, but actually where violence does take place we want people to have the confidence to come forward in the absolute knowledge and understanding that we will do everything we can to help that person and bring perpetrators to justice.”
