Sandwell Stands Against Violence Towards Women and Girls: 16 Days of Action begins

The launch as we speak (Tuesday 25 November) marks the beginning of the internationally-recognised 16 Days of Action.

The marketing campaign begins with White Ribbon Day (25 November), the place male leaders throughout Sandwell pledge their assist and with Sandwell Council House in Oldbury being lit up in orange.

The 16 Days of Action goals to lift consciousness, encourage group participation and reassure the general public in a sequence of occasions throughout Sandwell’s six cities, together with the flagship Reclaim the Night stroll on 8 December and a borough-wide Violence Against Women and Girls summit on 10 December.

Each occasion will concentrate on a particular situation – equivalent to home abuse, stalking, on-line security or sexual violence – and will likely be led by a named feminine councillor. Attendees can have the chance to talk straight with assist businesses, entry sources, and obtain confidential recommendation all through the marketing campaign.

At the guts of the marketing campaign is a daring visible message: “Sandwell Stands”, that includes native individuals. This community-led art work will likely be displayed throughout social media, public areas and at occasions all through the 16 days, signposting individuals to assist and to share their assist.

Sandwell’s Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, stated: “Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe in our borough – and we will not stop until that is a reality. We are proud to work with our partners and communities to raise awareness, support survivors and take action.”

Councillor Paul Moore, Deputy Council Leader, added: “This campaign has a clear and united message: Sandwell stands against violence towards women and girls. We all have a responsibility to work together to help women and girls feel safe in Sandwell.”

Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, Sandwell Police Commander for West Midlands Police, added: “We are committed to working alongside Sandwell Council and our partners to tackle violence in all its forms. The 16 Days of Action is an opportunity to listen, engage and show that we stand with women and girls. We encourage everyone to take part in the events and help make Sandwell safer.”

Sara Ward, Chief Executive of Black Country Women’s Aid, stated: “This campaign is about visibility, solidarity and change. Every day, our services support women and girls affected by abuse. By standing together, we send a powerful message that violence will not be tolerated – and that help is available.”

Residents are inspired to attend occasions, share the marketing campaign on-line utilizing #SandwellStands, and be part of the Reclaim the Night Walk to indicate their assist.

Find out extra about occasions and how one can get entangled by visiting our Sandwell Stands webpage.

#16Days #VAWG #WhiteRibbon

Visit Black Country Women’s Aid website for advice and support or name BCWA’s 24-hour helpline on 0121 552 6448. Always name 999 in an emergency. 

Calendar of occasions open to the general public:

Rowley Regis occasion:

Wednesday 26 November, 10am to 1pm

Cradley Heath Library, Upper High Street, Cradley Heath, B64 5JU

Theme: Domestic Abuse – The influence on victims and kids and constructing secure group responses.

Wednesbury occasion:

Friday 28 November, 10am to 1.30pm

Wednesbury Library, Walsall Street, Wednesbury, WS10 9EH

Theme: Exploitation and Modern Day Slavery – Highlighting girls’s experiences, linking native and world exploitation.

Tipton occasion:

Monday 1 December, 2pm to 4pm

Jubilee Park Community Centre, Powis Avenue, Tipton, DY4 0RJ

Theme: Stalking – elevating consciousness, prevention, and safeguarding.

Oldbury occasion:

Tuesday 2 December, 10am to 2pm

The Oak Tree Centre, Tame Road, Oldbury, B68 0JP

Theme: Rape, Sexual Violence and FGM – Challenging societal attitudes and supporting survivor voices.

West Bromwich occasion:

Wednesday 3 December, 1.45pm to 4pm

Central Library, High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8DZ

Theme: Harmful practices – so-called ‘honour’ based mostly abuse.

Smethwick occasion:

Thursday 4 December, 12 midday to 4pm

Smethwick Family Hub, Corbett Street, Smethwick, B66 3PX

Theme: Tech-facilitated abuse and stalking, digital security – on-line threats and hurt

Reclaim the Night Walk:

Monday 8 December, 4pm to 7pm

Meet at Sandwell Council House at 4pm, Freeth Street, Oldbury, B69 3DB

This is a peaceable, family-friendly, stewarded stroll, primarily on pavements and well-lit streets in Oldbury. Free to attend – please register so we can plan safely for numbers.