Over the last two weeks, Kingston Council has taken part in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
The global campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, takes place annually from November 25, the International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women and finishes on Human Rights Day, December 10.
It strives to end Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and calls for more action to prevent it.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Global 16 Days Campaign and placed a strong focus on the issue of “femicide or the gender-related killing of women”.
In November, Kingston Council was awarded White Ribbon accreditation for its commitment to appointing volunteer male ambassadors as advocates to end violence against women and raising awareness of the issue within the local community.
Councillor Alison Holt, sponsor for the Women’s (+Allies) Staff Network at Kingston council, said: “We are very proud to receive this accreditation – but this is just the beginning. We will continue increasing the knowledge and skills internally for staff to address violence against women through male ambassadors, working with communities to raise awareness and improve safety for women and girls, and engage with schools and youth settings around preventative work.”
“We encourage all men to wear a White Ribbon, and make the promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.”
What did Kingston Council do during the 16 Days of Activism?
November 25 – White Ribbon Stall
The Community Safety Team, Police and Specialist Services were at a pop-up stall outside the Guildhall and spoke to members of the community about what the local partnership does to tackle male violence against women and girls and how people can get involved to raise awareness.
December 1 – Virtual training session
Solution experts in night-life safety, Night Time Economy Solutions, delivered a virtual training session to businesses covering the topic of spiking of drinks and by injection.
December 2 – Annual 16 Days of Activism Conference
At the Guildhall, professionals were given a conference which focused on the impacts of VAWG on Black and Minoritised Women and what can be done to remove barriers.
December 9 – Live YouTube Event
Members of the community were invited to watch this YouTube event in which speakers explained how to support family and friends who suffer from domestic abuse, the role of the Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) and Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA).
Speakers from support services Women and Girls Network, Victim Support and Refuge talked about what support they offer to victims and friends or family who are worried about someone. The Met Police also explained how to apply for Clare’s Law which is also known as The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.
December 13 – Safety at Night
On Tuesday a session will be led by Night Time Economy Solutions with the aim of informing participants in situations in which someone can feel vulnerable at night such as drink spiking, sexual harassment, managing alcohol or drug intake, and dealing with peer pressure. It also will cover what someone should do if they feel unsafe and how to report an issue.
The council was active on Twitter and provided information throughout the 16 days.
The council also launched a webcast with Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children’s Partnership and covered various elements of the Domestic Abuse Act.
Help and guidance on getting help or on supporting someone can be found here.
