Brighton & Hove City Council will be flying the White Ribbon Flag on Tuesday 25 November to mark the start of this year’s global 16 Days of Activism campaign and the UN International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign seeks to galvanise action for the elimination of violence against women and girls (VAWG) around the world.
The campaign concludes on Tuesday 10 December, which marks Human Rights Day, reminding all that 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. It’s 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.
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 good.
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 the campaign’s theme, ‘We speak up’, wants more men to use their voices and speak up to create a world where everyone is safe, equal and respected.
Throughout the 16 Days, the White Ribbon Campaign will also be sharing stories of 16 men, White Ribbon Ambassadors, from different backgrounds who have committed to speaking up for women and girls.
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.
16 Days event at Jubilee Library
10am to 1pm, Tuesday 25 November
Jubilee Library, BN1 1GE
Join us in Jubilee Library to meet organisations around the city who are working to support people experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking. You can learn what they do and how you or a loved one can get help.
You can meet the representatives of:
- Cranstoun
- Equinox
- Hersana
- Hourglass
- Network of International Women
- RISE
- Stonewater
- Survivors Network
Councillor Sam Parrot, lead member on violence against women and girls at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “It is important we all recognise that violence against women and girls is not a women’s issue; everyone must be part of the solution.
“Victim blaming must stop. We should all challenge this whenever we see it. Silence is compliance.
“Allyship matters, which is why we support the White Ribbon campaign. Men can and must play a role in tackling this behaviour.
“But support should go further than that. We should all be doing everything we can to model true equality in all that we do.
“As a local authority we are committed to following our VAWG strategy, to hearing the voices of people with lived experiences of VAWG and embedding trauma informed thinking across the entire organisation.
“We will do what we can not only to support organisations doing vital work supporting victims of abuse, but also to make sure their experiences, insight and expertise help shape future policy.
“A number of events and workshops are taking place in person and online to mark the 16 days and spread awareness of how to support people experiencing abuse.
“If you, or someone you know, is experiencing, or has experienced, domestic abuse or any form of violence against women and girls, support is available. Please remember that you are not alone.”
If you think you might be experiencing domestic abuse, call Victim Support on 0300 323 9985, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. In an emergency, always call 999.
If you think you might be using abusive behaviours you can contact Cranstoun who can help.
If you’re thinking about harming yourself as a result of abuse, there is support available through Samaritans as well as Rethink Mental Health.
A number of events and workshops by our providers will take place around the city and online to mark 16 Days and spread awareness on how to support people experiencing abuse. You can visit the Brighton & Hove City Council website to find out more: Taking a stand to eliminate violence against women and girls.
