The global theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which will run from 25 November to 10 December 2023, is “End digital violence against all women and girls".
The theme focuses on the escalating problem of online abuse and its impact, aligning with the broader campaign to end gender-based violence. Due to the prevalence, 1 in 3 women will be affected in their lifetime, we will all know somebody that has been affected.
The 16 Days of Action will also highlight support services and reminding people about safetotal.org.uk
Some parts of the city centre will be lit orange (the colour theme for this year) throughout the 16 days, including the fountains and the Whittle Arch to mark this campaign.
On Tuesday 25 November, White Ribbon Day, campaigners are encouraging everyone, especially men and boys, to wear a white ribbon and promise to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women.
Saturday 29 November a group of local women will come together to remember women who have been killed by men in the past year. The Coventry Counts Dead Women Vigil will take place in Smithfield Way in the city centre from 9.00am-4.00pm. Pairs of shoes will be displayed to commemorate each dead woman, with their names being read out hourly.
Spanning across 16 days, the Council will be identifying a different theme each day to explore the various forms of violence and abuse. You will see the messages on both the Coventry City Council Facebook and Instagram profiles.
The Local Authority will also be raising awareness of the help and support that is available locally and nationally.
Local domestic abuse provisions in Coventry, includes Coventry Haven Women’s Aid, Valley House, Panahghar, Relationships Coventry and Warwickshire and Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind.
There is also a programme to jointly support children affected by domestic abuse using a counselling service and their non-abusing parent to help re-establish parental relationships; and a programme for those who are worried about their behaviour called Make a Change, to try and stop further abuse in the future.
This is all part of a citywide Domestic Abuse Strategy running from 2018 to 2025, which was set out to tackle the on-going crime. This also focuses on preventing honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
Cllr Pervez Akhtar, Deputy Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities said: supporting victims and preventing domestic abuse in all its forms is a priority for the city: “We are very conscious of the reality of the impact that domestic abuse has on its victims and their families, and the 16 Days of Action campaign is a true reminder of the clear strategy in place for Coventry, which aims to improve the response from all agencies to incidents of domestic abuse and remove barriers which prevent some communities from seeking help.”
He added: “It is estimated that the annual cost of domestic abuse collectively for Coventry is over £400m. We will continue to work with partner agencies to manage and address domestic abuse in a sensitive and supportive way. This includes providing support to those groups currently under-represented and most vulnerable such as older people, men, people from minority ethnic communities, as well as the LGBT+ community.
“The Safe to Talk website enables easy access to help and support, either as members of the public or professionals who may wish to refer individuals.
“All of us need to be vigilant. We need to help understand domestic abuse in all its forms and support victims to bring these crimes out into the open.”
Elaine Yates, CEO for Coventry Haven Women's Aid, said: "Coventry Haven Women’s Aid recognise 16 days of action against gender-based violence as an important opportunity to raise awareness and to call for action to end violence against women. We have supported this campaign over many years - and never has this message felt more poignant than over the last few years, which has highlighted the serious issue of women's safety in society.”
The Safe to Talk helpline provides free advice, support and information to victims, children and perpetrators, with access to multi-lingual specialist workers. This makes it easier for individuals to access the services they need, offering support options in areas that are close to them.
Elaine said: “There is still a lot of work to do around domestic abuse in the city, and our consortia commits to working together in the long term to further develop services that are accessible to all."
Help and advice is available here: https://www.safetotalk.org.uk/
The Coventry Safe to Talk Helpline is available: 0800 111 4998. 8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday or 10am - 1pm Saturday and Sunday.
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available: 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night.