16 Days of Activism for the elimination of violence against women and girls

Saturday 25 November marks the start of this year’s global campaign 16 Days of Activism which seeks to galvanize action for the elimination of violence against women and girls (VAWG) around the world.

The start coincides with the UN International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, and 16 Days of Activism runs until Human Rights Day on Sunday 10 December.

The White Ribbon Campaign

The start of the 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.

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.

Brighton & Hove is committed to supporting the White Ribbon Campaign. It is important to involve any one of any gender to get involved as ambassadors or champions to work towards addressing and altering social norms which 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 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.

If you are in immediate danger, please 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 Lesie Pumm, chair of the Equalities, Community Safety & Human Rights Committee, said: “We’re proud to support White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Activism to put a stop to all forms of violence against women and girls.  

“It’s crucial for men to speak out against violence and abuse and challenge the attitudes and behaviour of the minority of men who use or condone violence against women.

“We invite you to make the promise never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women and girls.

“Domestic violence can affect any gender, any age, and any type of relationship. For anyone experiencing domestic or sexual violence, stalking or abuse in any form, please remember that you are not alone.

“Abuse is a crime and it is not your fault. And always remember that help and support is available.”

Have your say on the draft strategy for tackling violence against women and girls

The consultation on the draft Brighton & Hove Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2023 to 2026 is live now.

The draft strategy outlines our partnership approach to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Brighton & Hove and we’re inviting residents, partner agencies, businesses and community organisations to help us shape the plans.

The survey is open until Monday 1 January 2024.

We’ll also be holding a workshop looking at how we can make Brighton & Hove a safer city for women and girls as part of our ‘Re-imagine Brighton & Hove’ project.

Re-imagine Brighton & Hove is inviting residents to help create the positive change they want to see.

We want to learn from resident experiences, hear their ideas and turn them into action to help deliver the Council Plan for 2023 to 2027.

We’re planning to hold the session looking at how can we ensure women and girls feel safe in January. The details will be confirmed soon.

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