16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

Violence against women and girls affects one in three women. Birmingham’s Domestic Abuse Local Strategic Partnership is marking an important, annual, global campaign against gender-based violence. 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence started on the 25 November, marking White Ribbon Day, and runs until Human Rights Day on 10 December. This year’s theme is: ending digital abuse. Digital tools are increasingly being used to stalk, harass, and abuse women and girls, and online abuse is not an isolated issue. 

During the 16 days, Birmingham’s Domestic Abuse Local Strategic Partnership are highlighting Birmingham as a City of Sanctuary, which stands united together in tackling domestic abuse and violence against all women and girls. They have seen a growth in misogyny, racism and serious sexual violence with recent incidents across the West Midlands leaving black and minoritised women, in particular, feeling fearful for their safety. The Domestic Abuse Local Strategic Partnership Board is making a statement: addressing unfounded claims blaming particular groups for violence against women and girls and expressing our solidarity with all women.

Partners across the city are also sharing information about domestic abuse, specialist support available in Birmingham, and the values and principles that must shape our response to survivors as part of a city-wide partnership campaign.

Please take a few minutes to find out more about domestic abuse on Birmingham City Council webpages: Domestic abuse | Birmingham City Council.

Or read our city-wide strategy here: Birmingham Domestic Abuse Prevention Strategy 2024+ | Birmingham City Council

Please remember:

Anyone can be affected by domestic abuse, and you can make a difference – simply by reaching out to check on loved ones, offering a listening ear to combat the isolation caused by abuse, and by sharing contact details for specialist support.

We listen we believe and we support.If you, or someone you know, needs support, please reach out:

• Anyone can call the Domestic Abuse Hub helpline, open 9am to 5pm every day on 0808 800 0028. You can also use the webchat at https://bswaid.org/.
• You can find details of various local and national support options on our Help for Survivors webpage, too.

In an emergency, please call 999