Ending Violence Towards Women and Girls is Priority in Hertfordshire

Organisations across Hertfordshire are supporting White Ribbon Day and 16 days of activism against gender-based violence – known as ‘violence against women and girls’ (VAWG), which starts on Saturday 25 November.

This year’s local partnership theme is Violence against women and girls harms us all. #ChangeTheStoryinHerts.

The Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership will be raising awareness and posting on social media about their work to tackle domestic abuse and VAWG throughout the 16 days.

The Partnership will also be encouraging men within their organisations to make the White Ribbon promise never to use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence towards women. Members of the public are also encouraged to make the promise too – either on their own social media, within their own work or other organisations, or just to themselves.

Partnership posts will be tagged #ChangeTheStoryInHerts.

Several events are taking place across the county including a walk for women in Watford on Wednesday November 22; a White Ribbon stand in St Albans market and a charity ball in Letchworth on Saturday 25 November as well as a 5-a-side football tournament in Welwyn Garden City on Tuesday November 28.

The 16 days will also be marked with buildings around the county being lit orange on Monday 27 November as part of the United Nations ‘Orange the World’ campaign to end violence against women and girls.

A partnership conference will also be held on 13 December at Stevenage Football Club bringing all partners together to reflect upon the successes of the campaign, and to celebrate the progress and good work happening in Hertfordshire.

Jo Fisher, Executive Director of Children’s Services at Hertfordshire County Council and chair of the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Executive Board, said: ‘As Chair of the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership Executive Board, I’m proud that we are working together to tackle the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence. Violence against women and girls harms us all, and support is available for those subjected to it as well as those who are looking to make positive changes in their own behaviour. #ChangeTheStoryInHerts.’

To find out more about the campaign, and how you can get involved, visit the Partnership campaign pages at www.hertssunflower.org/news-and-campaigns/16-days-of-activism.aspx.

For more information about help and support for those experiencing domestic abuse go to www.hertssunflower.org or call the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline on 08 088 088 088.

Services can be accessed without reporting to police, however, to report a crime go to www.herts.police.uk/report or call 101. In an emergency, always call 999.