16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse – keeping everyone safe

16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse – keeping everyone safe

From today (25 November) local people and community groups in Sandwell will be observing ‘16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse’ across the borough.

The 16 days also include three other major events: International Human Rights Defenders Day (29 November), World Aids Day (1 December) and the anniversary of the Montreal École Polytechnique Massacre (6 December). These have been included in the series to highlight the connection between human rights and domestic abuse.

The events begin today with White Ribbon Day, which aims to end male violence against women and girls. Local people are being asked to show their solidarity with survivors and to make the White Ribbon promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

The 16 days conclude on Friday, 10 December, with remembrance of those who have lost their lives to male violence.

Councillor Bob Piper, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “Sandwell Council wants everyone in the borough to feel safe and cared for, and we continue to work with our partners to prevent violence and exploitation wherever it occurs.

“We support the ‘16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse’ and ask residents to do all they can to prevent and report domestic abuse, and to help keep everyone safe.”

Councillor Maria Crompton, Deputy Leader, said: “Victims of domestic abuse and other forms of violence and abuse can get help. It’s important to speak out, you will be listened to. Sandwell Council’s services are open and are there to help, advise and support anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse.

“We want everyone in Sandwell to feel safe and valued, so please support ‘16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse’.”

The ‘16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse’ are supported by:
• Sandwell Council https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/domesticabuse
• Black Country Women’s Aid Black Country Women’s Aid
• Ask Marc www.askmarc.org.uk
• Birmingham LGBT Centre https://blgbt.org/
• FGM Clinic (Midlands & East of England) swbh.summerfieldfgm@nhs.net
• Sandwell Children’s Trust Sandwell Children’s Trust
• Sandwell Safeguarding Adults Board Sandwell Safeguarding Adults Board
• The ​West Midlands Children’s and Young Person’s Service The ​West Midlands Children’s and Young Person’s Service
• The West Midlands Sexual Assault Referral Centre The West Midlands Sexual Assault Referral Centre

Notes to Editor:

The 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse focuses on the following themes:
• Thursday, 25 November: White Ribbon Day
• Friday, 26 November: What is Domestic Abuse?
• Saturday, 27 November: key information about the new Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and the impact of domestic abuse on children
• Sunday, 28 November: services will be open as usual to help, advise and support anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse
• Monday, 29 November: male victims of domestic abuse
• Tuesday, 30 November: rape and sexual violence
• Wednesday, 1 December: women’s safety in public spaces
• Thursday, 2 December: help is available for under-represented victims of domestic abuse – disabled people, men, young people
• Friday, 3 December: so-called ‘Honour’-based abuse and forced marriage
• Saturday, 4 December: female genital mutilation
• Sunday, 5 December: child to parent abuse
• Monday, 6 December: victim blaming and how to challenge it
• Tuesday, 7 December:  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
• Wednesday, 8 December: stalking and harassment
• Thursday, 9 December: prevention – misogyny, sexist behaviour and men calling out abuse
• Friday, 10 December: remembrance of those who have lost their lives to male violence.

The photograph shows elected members, leadership team representatives and partners wearing white ribbons outside the Council House.