Monday 25 November marks the start of this year’s global 16 Days of Activism campaign, which seeks to galvanise action for the elimination of violence against women and girls (VAWG) around the world.
The start of the 16-day campaign coincides with the UN International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women.
This year, UN Women wish to draw attention to the alarming escalation of violence against women, namely the cases of intimate partner and family member femicides.
The campaign concludes on Tuesday 10 December, which marks Human Rights Day.
Violence against women and girls remains the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violation in the world.
In the UK, 2 million women are estimated to be victims of violence perpetrated by men each year in an epidemic so serious, it amounts to a national emergency.
Crimes including stalking, harassment, sexual assault and domestic violence affect one in 12 women in England and Wales, with the number of recorded offences growing by 37% in the past 5 years.
Femicide is the ultimate and most brutal manifestation of violence against women and girls. In the UK, on average, a woman is killed by a man every three days.
Girls are at particular risk of violence, as one in 4 adolescent girls experiences abuse by their partners.
Violence against women and girls is happening at all levels and in all areas of our society. Now is the time to unite and end violence against women for all.
The start of the 16 Days initiative also marks White Ribbon Day, part of a campaign encouraging community leaders to lead by example.
The White Ribbon Campaign recognises the positive role men play in preventing violence against women, based on the understanding that most men are not violent.
This year’s theme, 'It Starts With Men’, encourages men to hold themselves accountable to women, and to each other, so we can affect positive behaviour change to transform harmful cultures.
Starting with men, we must address the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a fear of violence for women in their day-to-day lives.
Brighton & Hove is committed to supporting the White Ribbon Campaign. It is important to involve anyone of any gender to get involved as ambassadors or champions, to work towards addressing and altering social norms that lead to violent behaviour against women and girls.
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.
Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, Youth Services and for Ending Violence against Women and Girls, said: “We're proud to support the White Ribbon pledge and stand against all forms of violence against women and girls.
“In recent years, we have seen the statistics of gender-based violence reach alarming levels, accounting to a national emergency in the UK.
“As a society, we need to do more to ensure the safety of women. We need to be vocal in our rejection of violence, to challenge misogynistic views, and to actively reject the culture of toxic masculinity that’s becoming more prevalent.
“I invite men, in particular, during these 16 days to consider how they can help end gender-based violence, by making the promise never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
“How men conduct themselves online, on the streets, at work or in the pub or gym matters to the safety of women and girls and our participation in public life.
“Change starts with men caring as much about our safety and being as vigilant for our safety and participation as we must be every day. It is exhausting for us, and I want to see the next generation of young women experiencing their lives without that mental and emotional toll.
“For anyone experiencing domestic or sexual violence, stalking or abuse in any form, please remember that you are not alone –help and support are available.”
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.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.
If you need to, you can use the ‘silent solution’ - this is an automated service that means 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 saying only yes or no in response to questions.