Thursday 25 November marks the start of 16 Days of Action for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.
16 Days of Action is a global campaign, seeking to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world.
Consistent evidence from statutory and voluntary agencies across the UK has emphasised the increased risks of domestic abuse this year, so the message behind the campaign is more important than ever.
The start coincides with the UN International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, and 16 Days of Action runs until Human Rights Day on Friday 10 December.
We’re working with East & West Sussex County Councils to run an online event on 9 December, with guest speakers from Survivors Network, LifeCentre, Hersana and a ‘conversation with’ Ryan Hart.
The event is open and free to professionals, organisations and members of the public.
For more details and to book your tickets, visit the ‘Sussex - 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence’ event listing on eventbrite.
White Ribbon Campaign
The start of the initiative also marks White Ribbon Day.
The White Ribbon Campaign recognises the positive role that men play in preventing violence against women, based on the understanding that most men are not violent.
It is a means for men to speak out against violence and abuse and to safely challenge the attitudes and behaviour of a minority of men who use or condone violence against women.
A report to the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture committee meeting this evening (25 November) recommends the council reapply for White Ribbon accreditation to reaffirm Brighton & Hove’s support for the campaign.
White Ribbons will be available to wear at the committee.
You can show your support for the campaign all year round by making the promise never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women and girls in all forms and by wearing a white ribbon on the day.
Getting help
If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic or sexual abuse or violence, visit our help with domestic abuse page for advice on where to get support.
You can also call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on freephone 0808 2000 247.
If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.
If you need to, you can use the ‘silent solution’ - an automated service meaning that if you ring 999 and the operator hears no response, you will be directed to press ‘55’ if you need help.
The conversation will then continue in a way that allows the caller to communicate by using yes/no to answer questions.
You are not alone
Councillor Steph Powell, co-chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture committee said:
“With the shocking rise in domestic abuse reports we’ve seen nationally through the pandemic and several high-profile murders of women this year, the message of the 16 Days of Action and the White Ribbon campaigns are more important than ever.
“We want to reassert our support by applying for White Ribbon accreditation again. It's important to involve men and boys as ambassadors in addressing and altering social norms which lead to violent behaviour against women and girls.
“We fully support the White Ribbon pledge to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.
“For anyone experiencing domestic or sexual violence, stalking or abuse in any form, please remember that you are not alone.
“It’s very important that no one should ever suffer in silence and that everyone feels safe in Brighton & Hove.
“Help and support is available. Abuse is a crime and it is not your fault.”
Have your say on the draft domestic abuse accommodation and support strategy for Sussex
We’re after views on a draft Sussex-wide strategy setting out how we help and protect survivors of domestic abuse in safe accommodation.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 requires local authorities to publish a strategy setting out how they will protect and assist survivors of domestic abuse in supported safe accommodation.
In Sussex, we've developed a draft strategy that covers Brighton & Hove, East and West Sussex.
We believe the proposed strategy will make a real difference to the lives of survivors and their children, and we welcome your views on it.
What you tell us will help us ensure we get it right and make the most of the additional funding that is being provided.
The consultation is open until 19 December.
The draft strategy will be updated once we’ve had feedback from the consultation, with the final version published in January.
