Why we’re renewing our commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls
New violence against women and girls strategy marks 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence events in Hackney.
A new Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy has launched today, setting out a bold and comprehensive plan to prevent abuse, support survivors, and build a safer borough for all women and girls in Hackney
The strategy outlines Hackney Council’s commitment to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse, sexual violence, harmful practices and online abuse through a partnership led and public health approach.
It comes as stark new data shows that nearly 1,800 women and girls sought help for domestic abuse in Hackney in the last year.
The 35% increase reflects growing awareness and increased support available to victims of domestic abuse, which is too often a hidden crime. That’s meant a fall in ‘high-risk’ domestic abuse despite more people seeking help, with victims getting support at an earlier stage before issues escalate
Since it launched in 2016, Hackney Council’s own domestic abuse team has helped over 12,000 people at risk from domestic abuse. Hackney has seen a 35% increase in the number of women and girls seeking help with domestic abuse, the figures have been released as part of the Council’s new strategy.
Directly informed by input from victims and survivors of abuse, the strategy also highlights the crucial role of prevention, using education to address the harmful attitudes and behaviours that if not addressed can develop into more serious violence.
Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, said: “Every woman and girl in Hackney deserves to live free from fear and free from harm. This strategy strengthens our borough’s commitment to prevention, early intervention, and survivor-centred support. It sets out clear actions to challenge perpetrators, promote community responsibility, and ensure that services reflect the diverse needs of our residents”
The new strategy has been published as 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence gets underway – an international campaign held annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), seeking to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls globally. This year’s theme is No Excuse for Online Abuse.
Read the new Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2025-29.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence events in Hackney
Hackney Council has coordinated a programme of events aimed at professionals and the public during this year’s campaign. This includes the following open to the public
Safe Space organised by St Mungos (complex needs specialist worker/service)
DNA Cafe 101 Kingsland High St, London E8 2PB
11am to 2pm
These events will mark the official launch of a vital new safe space, a collaborative effort organised by St Mungo's Complex Needs Specialist Service and DNA Cafe.
No registration required.
Hackney Nights welfare pop-ups
Dalston & Shoreditch, 28 and 29 November, 7pm to 2am,
Joint Welfare Pop ups between the Night Time Economy, Community Safety, the Police, and the Domestic Abuse Intervention Service (DAIS). The teams will be distributing free water, condoms, personal safety equipment, and flip-flops, while providing critical awareness information on issues like drinks spiking and sexual violence, along with general safety advice.
No registration required.
Training: Tech abuse in domestic settings, reflections on risks and safety from UCL’s Gender and Tech Research Lab
Wednesday 3 December, 10am-12pm, online
This online Livestream will highlight how technology is increasingly leveraged as a tool of coercive control and abuse in domestic relationships and the profound impact this has on survivors.