16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence, especially against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day and every year community and voluntary groups across Bedfordshire join the campaign.
Our theme for 16 Days this year is ‘Hidden Victims’ and we want to reach as many of them as possible. We want to let the hidden victims in Bedfordshire know that it’s time to talk about what is happening to them or those around them, it’s time to get help and we think it’s to time to bring an end to domestic abuse and gender violence across Bedfordshire.
No one should live in fear of someone else in their life and when that person is a partner, husband, wife, boy or girlfriend, an ex or family member we recognise how difficult it is to acknowledge what is happening and how impossible it may seem to think about getting help to end the abuse.
If you are in a relationship where you feel you don’t have a choice or a voice, where you feel you are not in control of what is happening to you or your family or you feel like you or your children don’t matter; then it’s time to talk to someone and get help to try and move on.
1 in 4 women & 1 in 7 men will suffer domestic abuse in their lifetime (ONS 2015) this means that somewhere in the region of 77,500 women and 43,600 men across Bedfordshire will be affected (based on Census 2011).
Cllr Colleen Atkins, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services said “Domestic abuse has no place in our society. If you’re worried about your own safety or afraid for someone close to you, there is free, confidential help available. There are many events happening all over Bedfordshire during the 16 days, I urge anyone who can to get involved in the campaign. ”
Cllr Shan Hunt, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Social Care said “Exposure to domestic abuse or violence in childhood is child abuse. It is crucial that people can access clear guidance on what to do to help them in a situation of domestic abuse. If you are worried about yourself or for frightened for someone else’s safety, please reach out to one of the National Helplines.”
Cllr Anthony Forth, Portfolio Holder for Adults Services said “Domestic abuse is unacceptable, we must make sure that everyone can live the life they want, free from abuse. Show your support for the 16 Days campaign and wear Orange on the 10th December.”
If you are worried about your own behaviour or frightened of someone else’s, you are not alone, there is support available. If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic abuse or you just want to find out more, you can go to: www.bedsdv.org.uk for advice or support services.
Maybe with your help, standing together against abuse and violence in your relationship, or in those of your family or friends then we could make a difference. So, if you can, get involved in the campaign this year. Look out for events happening all over Bedfordshire including our Go Orange Day on the 10th December or check out our 16 Days calendar at www.bedsdv.org.uk.
It can be really hard to talk about what is happening to you or to someone you know but taking that first step and breaking the silence can be the start of you getting back some control. Why not try talking to one of these National Helplines?
National 24hr Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247
Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327
National LGBT+ Domestic Violence Helpline - 0800 999 5428
ChildLine – 0800 1111
Victim Support-line - 0808 168 9111
Honour Abuse Helpline – 0800 5999 247
Revenge Porn Helpline - 0345 6000 459
Stalking Helpline – 0808 802 0300
Respect Helpline – 0808 802 4040
#BDAP #16Days #HiddenVictims #KeepBedfordshireSafe
