Domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG) are on the rise.
A recent report the National Police Chiefs’ Council warned that cases of VAWG have risen by 37% in the last five years, and that it has become a ‘national emergency’.
Specialist Domestic Abuse Services across Kent and Medway, supported by Kent County Council (KCC) and Medway Council, are urging community groups and businesses to take awareness-raising action this winter, by taking part in the End Domestic Abuse 16 Days of Action campaign, from 25th November to 10th December 2024.
Starting on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women / White Ribbon Day and ending on International Human Rights Day, the campaign is part of the worldwide 16 Days of Action and aims to get every person affected in Kent and Medway the right support.
The initiative is led by the Kent and Medway Integrated Domestic Abuse Services partnership and provides a series of free training webinars throughout the 16 Days as well as a range of resources including social media content and posters that can be put up in venues and communal spaces, to help people to #KnowSeeSpeakOut: KNOW What domestic abuse is, SEE What action they can take, SPEAK OUT By signposting people to support.
It comes at a vital time, following the Government’s commitment to halve incidences of VAWG in a decade and the rise of online misogyny and abuse.
Through the support it made me realise none of it was my fault
“Hanna”, a young woman supported by the Kent Domestic Abuse Services says: “Having a violent or abusive partner has been glamourised on social media. It’s being normalised. I had to send my partner videos and photos of the people I was with and a 360-degree image of the environment I was in. A major problem is location finding on social media. They find where you are so easily. I’ve seen so many threats to expose pictures. It affects your feeling of safety, trust and makes you question yourself. Through the support, it made me realise none of it was my fault.”
Everyone can get involved in the campaign and create positive change in their community by using the free training and resources.
Domestic abuse is completely unacceptable
Cllr Vince Maple, Medway Council Leader and White Ribbon Ambassador, said: “Domestic abuse is completely unacceptable, and it’s dismaying to hear that violence against women and girls has increased in the last five years. It’s absolutely vital that people feel confident to challenge unacceptable behaviour, as it’s only through speaking up that we can make a change. By spreading awareness and sharing our beliefs, we can both embolden people to stand up against abuse and highlight to potential offenders who might otherwise think their actions will go unchallenged and unpunished. I also want to remind anybody who is experiencing abuse that there is help out there – if you need support, please reach out.”
Deeply saddened and greatly concerned
Roger Gough, Kent County Council Leader and White Ribbon Ambassador, said: “I am deeply saddened and greatly concerned that reported incidents of domestic abuse in our communities continue to rise. Worse still, we know from charities and support organisations that the official figures are just the tip of the iceberg as instances are often not reported for fear of retribution or repercussions. The 37% rise in Violence against Women and Girls is particularly shocking and wholly unacceptable. Economic abuse is also worryingly on the rise during the current financial difficulties everyone is facing and often harder to recognise.
"I want to encourage everyone, especially young people, to help us raise awareness of this deplorable crime, challenge your peers, be confident to speak out against this intolerable behaviour and help victims find safety and support.”
As part of their ongoing commitment to tackle domestic abuse, Kent County Council and Medway Council are White Ribbon UK accredited organisations, galvanising men to stand up against harmful attitudes and behaviours that can lead to harassment, abuse, and discrimination. Kent County Council and Medway Council will be flying the White Ribbon Flag from County Hall, Sessions House in Maidstone and Gun Wharf in Chatham throughout the 16 Days, from Monday 25th November to 10th December 2024 in solidarity and support.
Seen first-hand
Kevin Holyoake, KCC Counter Fraud Specialist and White Ribbon Ambassador, said: “As an ex-Police Officer I have seen first-hand the devastation of violence inflicted on girls and women at the hands of men and boys. By becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador I am helping boys become not just men but good men. Men that respect women. Men that would stand up for what is right and engage with other men to spread the message that violence against girls and women is wrong, devastating and must end.”
NHS Kent and Medway and Southeastern trains are supporting the campaign, with posters being distributed across all NHS Trust hospitals and healthcare settings and the Southeaster rail network.
Working together
NHS Kent and Medway’s Chief Nursing Officer Paul Lumsdon, said::“Domestic abuse affected more than two million people across the UK in 2023 and can significantly impact a person’s health and wellbeing; sometimes fatally. Working together, we want to reduce heath inequalities and deliver improved safer outcomes, supporting those suffering from domestic abuse. It is never acceptable. As the strategic safeguarding lead for health, taking part in this campaign will help to raise awareness and empower staff in the NHS to recognise and respond to domestic abuse.”
Raise awareness
Darren O'Brien, Southeastern's Retail Systems Manager and a Women In Rail trustee, says: "We are proud to support this important campaign to help raise awareness of domestic abuse and the support on offer.
"We were the first operator to offer free train travel to people fleeing abusive relationships under the Rail to Refuge scheme and we will continue to do what we can to support victims of gender-based violence."
Support on offer
To access specialist Domestic Abuse support please call Victim Support 0808 168 9111 or visit www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk.
In an emergency, call the police on 999 (if you can’t speak, cough, or tap the handset then press 55 on your phone – the police will know it’s an emergency).
To access the Know, See, Speak Out campaign training and resources, visit DomesticAbuseServices.org.uk.
Find out about the support on offer on our website.