This year’s theme focuses on the misuse of digital media for stalking, harassment and abuse, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action.
The campaign runs from White Ribbon Day on Tuesday, 25 November to Wednesday, 10 December (Human Rights Day). The council and its partners have organised several events, including a walk at Hartham Common in Hertford to raise awareness of domestic abuse on Friday, 5 December at 1pm. Everyone is welcome. Participants are encouraged to wear orange, the campaign’s official colour, and bring umbrellas, as the walk will go ahead rain or shine.
To support the event, East Herts and Broxbourne Domestic Abuse Forum will host an information stand at the pavilion between Hartham Leisure Centre and the play area, where people can get advice and learn more about local support services.
A community information stand is then being hosted by the East Herts and Broxbourne Domestic Abuse Forum inside Jackson Square in Bishop’s Stortford on Monday, 8 December (1:30PM – 3:30PM). Members of the forum will be on hand to share advice about domestic abuse prevention, as well as details of support services that are available to anybody affected. There is no need to book, and residents are encouraged to attend even if just for a friendly chat.
Additionally, Future Living, a local charity that specialises in helping children and adults affected by domestic abuse, will deliver training in East Herts’ council chamber at Wallfields, Hertford on how to support colleagues and friends suffering from domestic abuse on Tuesday, 9 December (10AM – 12PM). This is such an important topic that all residents are welcome to join online via the council’s YouTube channel. At the session, a survivor of domestic abuse will share their personal story and offer insight into how others can provide support.
Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, the council will be using its social media channels to highlight key issues and promote local support services, whilst also illuminating Waytemore Castle in Bishop’s Stortford orange. Sawbridgeworth Town Council and Ware Town Council are joining East Herts in showing support for this campaign by lighting up their own offices, with popular Stortfordian eatery Host also getting behind the campaign by lighting their iconic Corn Exchange venue in Bishop's Stortford town centre between Tuesday, 25 November and Sunday, 30 November, marking the end of the 16 Days of Activism by lighting the Corn Exchange once more on Wednesday, 10 December.
Councillor Mione Goldspink, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said, “By taking part in this campaign, the council stands with a global community, determined to play our part in ending violence against women and girls.
“In these times of rapid digital innovation, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant against online threats – including the non-consensual sharing of images, digitally manipulated content, online grooming and catfishing – all of which can, tragically, lead to harm or violence in the real world.
“I am grateful for the support that the council and its partners are able to offer to victims of domestic abuse and look forward to seeing our district unite during this campaign to make a positive difference.”
For more information about the campaign and the support services available, please visit: www.eastherts.gov.uk/domestic-abuse
