Held at the start of the football World Cup tournament — a time when domestic violence incidents spike — this year’s White Ribbon Day message highlighting the dangers women encounter was especially important.
Held on 25 November, #TheGoal of this year’s campaign was to highlight the challenges and dangers women and girls face in traditionally male-dominated contexts like the football pitch and public transportation.
The annual event raises awareness of violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes such as harmful attitudes and behaviours around masculinity.
White Ribbon Day coincides with the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which ends on 10 December, an international campaign led by women’s groups.
Events to mark the whole 16 Days campaign in East Sussex and nationally include:
- A Bystander Intervention Training session on 2 and 5 December between 13.30pm and 3pm. Book tickets for the free, online session that aims to help participants to recognise and challenge misogynistic behaviour in their everyday lives.
- Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance is hosting a webinar on 2 December. Book tickets for the event about improving woman’s representation in the boardroom
- SignHealth has an online event looking at domestic abuse in the deaf community on 2 December
- An in-person ‘Speak Out’ film and spoken word event is being held by the Safer Hastings Partnership and Safer Rother Partnership on 8 December between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. For more information email communitysafety@hastings.gov.uk
East Sussex County Council’s website has more information about domestic abuse and where to get help.