16 Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence
Show your support for the ‘16 Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence’ as the Council calls on residents to rally together to show their support for the elimination of abuse.
The Council and its partners will be hosting events as part of the UN’s campaign to help eliminate gender-based violence, starting with an event on the steps of Hackney Town Hall on Monday 26 November. Come at 1pm, listen to speeches and stand together to help eliminate gender based violence.
Official statistics from the latest crime survey reveal the shocking fact that last year in England and Wales,1.9 million adults aged 16 to 59 years experienced domestic abuse, this is 6 in 100 adults, with women than more likely than men to be victims.
Data also shows that nationally more than half of all female homicide victims were killed by a former or current partner; around two women are killed every week.Tackling domestic abuse and eliminating gender based violence is a key priority for the Council, and despite continued government cuts the council continues to prioritise preventing domestic abuse and supporting survivors.
We want anyone who is experiencing abuse to know that, when they are ready, we are here to support them. This year we are focusing in particular on the importance of healthy relationships and encouraging people to seek help if they are worried or find themselves in an abusive relationship.
The Council works in many different ways to tackle gender-based violence in the borough, through close collaboration with third sector partners, the police and health services to protect survivors of abuse and bring perpetrators to justice.
The Council works directly with survivors of domestic abuse who have been referred for help or who have sought help themselves. Working alongside survivors and with partner agencies to assess and reduce risk and make survivors safe. More recently the service has begun work with perpetrators to assess and reduce the risk they pose, to hold them accountable for their actions and where possible to effect lasting behaviour change.
Hackney’s youth service, in partnership with schools, and the voluntary sector, works with young people to teach them about healthy relationships. The Council is a national leader in the way it looks widely at different areas in the lives of young people, to make sure they are safe in their peer groups, schools and communities; tackling gender-based violence and problematic behaviour towards girls in these contexts.
Following on from 26 November the Council and partners will be hosting a series of events to coincide with the 16 days of activism, including events for young people at Youth Hubs, a public meeting and a conference for professionals.
You can contact Hackney Council’s Domestic Abuse Intervention Service anonymously and get help to stop abusive behaviour on 020 8356 4458; email dais@hackney.gov.uk or visit www.hackney.gov.uk/domestic-violence. Anyone needing help or support can also contact the 24-hour free national helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency always call 999.
Public Events
● 16 Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence, Hackney Town Hall Square, 26 November 1-1.30pm
● IMECE welcome service users, partners and colleagues working with BAMER Women at The Redmond Community Centre, Kayani Avenue, N4 2HF, 27 November, 10am- 2pm
● Living Well – Why Women’s Safety and Health Matters, sharing how women's health and wellbeing can be promoted with an open discussion and mini-tasters on wellbeing topics, such as self-massage, mindfulness, meditation, Hackney Women’s Haven, Whitmore Community Centre, 2 Phillip Street, N1 5NU, 27 November 10.30am – 2.30pm
● Violence Against Women and Girls Practitioners Forum – a space for Hackney professionals working in the field of gender-based violence to explore current issues and best practice in a range of areas, 28 November
● Domestic Abuse Intervention Service Information stall, Hackney Service Centre, 1 Hillman Street, E8 1DY, 3 December, 11am – 3pm
● Gender Based Violence Public Consultation, Hackney Museum, 5 December, 5.30-8pm. The Council’s Domestic Abuse Intervention Service would like to speak to residents to discuss Hackney’s Violence Against Women and Girls strategy for the coming year. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. Unfortunately there will be no crèche facilities, but children under 3 are welcome to attend. The event is not suitable for older children.
Events for Young People
● Futures Theatre presents ‘Underwater Love’. An interactive play that explores healthy relationships, domestic abuse and ‘revenge porn’. Forest Road Youth Hub, Senior Session 20 November 7-8:30 pm
● Healthy Relationships (separate young men and young women groups), The Edge Youth Hub, 27 November, 6-9.00 pm
● Healthy Relationships (separate young men and young women groups), The Edge Youth Hub, 3 December, 6-9.00 pm