What is 16 Days of Activism campaign?
The international 16 Days of Activism campaign calls for an end to gender-based violence, commonly known as ‘violence against women and girls’.
During this 16-day period, White Ribbon Day takes place to promote male allyship with women and girls, while the UN UNiTE campaign, ‘Orange the World’ symbolises a brighter future free of violence and abuse.
This November, over 50 organisations that form the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership collaborate to raise awareness of the services available to those experiencing harmful or abusive behaviors.
The Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Strategy 2022-25 outlines the Partnership’s key priorities for creating lasting change, with a strong focus on engagement and prevention to ensure that Hertfordshire is a safe place for all individuals and families.
What is violence against women and girls?
The term is used to describe a range of harmful or abusive behaviours that disproportionately affect women and girls, including:
- Stalking & harassment
- Rape & other sexual offences
- Domestic abuse
- Honour-based abuse
- Revenge porn.
These behaviours can affect anyone and should always be taken seriously.
How to get involved
- Make the White Ribbon Promise
Pledge to 'never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women' and wear your white ribbon proudly. By doing so, you’re becoming part of a wider movement to end violence and promote a culture of equality and respect.
- Support 16 Days of Activism events and initiatives
See our calendar of events (PDF, 314KB) for fun, informative and thought-provoking events that raise awareness of violence against women and girls across Hertfordshire. Together, we can work to eliminate gender-based violence.
- Show your support on social media
Use our social media toolkit to take part in the campaign by raising awareness about violence against women and girls and the services available to support anyone experiencing it.
Feel free to share your own messages of allyship and support via social media, always with the slogan and hashtag:
'Violence against women and girls harms us all'
#ChangeTheStoryInHerts
Support, information and advice
If you or someone you know is subjected to harmful or abusive behaviour, you can find further information, advice and signposting to local support on Herts Sunflower.
Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline
Free local helpline for anyone affected by domestic abuse
08 088 088 088
Monday - Friday, 9am-9pm
Saturday - Sunday, 9am-4pm
Calls outside these times are redirected to the national helpline.
Or email Kim@mailpurple.org confidently, anytime.
Support for men & boys
Mankind - male victims of domestic abuse
Respect - domestic abuse helpline for men
Future Living - Wise Guys programme for male victims of domestic violence and abuse
Support for children, teenagers and young adults
Childline - advice online, on the phone, anytime
Support for LGBTQ+ people
Galop - the LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity
If you need any of these documents in a different format, please contact Strategic.Partnership@Hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Are you a professional? See our communications toolkit.