Kingston Council plans to raise awareness for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) during the 16 days of Activism campaign starting on 25 November.
This is an annual international campaign, which calls for the prevention and elimination of VAWG. This is part of UN Women’s wider movement UNiTE.
During the campaign, the council plans to spread awareness through a White Ribbon stall, a live YouTube event, and a professional conference around the impact of VAWG on black and minoritised women. White Ribbon is a charity that works with men and boys to end VAWG.
A Kingston Council spokeswoman said: “The council have embarked on the White Ribbon accreditation process which reflects our commitment to tackle male VAWG in all its form.
“VAWG including domestic abuse is a key priority within the council’s safer Kingston Partnership Plan.”
It comes after new figures revealed that 13,000 domestic abuse cases had been dropped in England and Wales in five years, due to a six-month time limit for someone to be charged for common assault.
On a national level, Home Secretary Priti Patel has backed calls to change the law to give victims of domestic abuse more than six months to report a crime, according to BBC sources.
Along with support for the campaign, Kingston Council’s help for domestic abuse victims ranges from crisis intervention to longer-term aid. This incorporates the Kingston DV Hub, One Stop Shop, Empowerment Groups, and a Complex Needs Service.
The Complex Needs Service specifically deals with victim-survivors who face additional barriers, such as mental health issues.
“The council have recruited a VAWG Officer to take the lead on the work around the Domestic Abuse Act to ensure that any additional good practice recommendations are being implemented within the borough,” the council spokeswoman said.
Alongside the council, the community safety team coordinated a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), response team for domestic abuse survivors at the highest risk.
