Published: Monday, 10th November 2025
We are calling for communities to take action to spot the signs of domestic abuse this winter.
One in five adults in Kent and Medway will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, with male violence against women and girls (MVAWG) being declared a national emergency, rising by nearly 40% in just five years.
By taking part in the #KnowSeeSpeakOut 16 Days of Activism campaign from Tuesday, 25 November to Wednesday, 10 December, residents and businesses can increase their knowledge and help to save lives.
Starting on the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and White Ribbon Day and ending on International Human Rights Day, the campaign is part of the worldwide 16 Days of Activism and aims to get every person affected in Medway and Kent the right support.
The initiative is led by the Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Partnership and provides a series of six 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: Know what domestic abuse is, See what action they can take, Speak Out by signposting people to support.
As a proud White Ribbon UK Accredited organisation, Medway Council will be flying the White Ribbon flag at its Gun Wharf office in Chatham on Tuesday, 25 November in solidarity and to galvanise men to stand up against harmful attitudes and behaviours that can lead to harassment, abuse, and discrimination of women.
Misogyny doesn’t just harm women, it also damages men by reinforcing harmful stereotypes that discourage emotional expression, isolates those in need, and prevents men from seeking help.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality and socio-economic background. The police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds.
Safe and well looked after
Survivor Kaitlin found safety and support from Medway services: “I never felt so safe and well looked after. Even when I lapsed and went back to my ex-husband, I reached back out and was welcomed with open arms, and they gave me security and I was taken care of. They gave me strength to be a woman again and gave me the strength to see my divorce through and went above and beyond to keep me safe and give me the new life that I have today.
The domestic abuse housing options officer at Medway Council was fantastic and made me realise that I should never be scared and helped me no end. I would encourage anyone in this situation to go to Medway Council and Oasis [Domestic Abuse Service] no matter how many times they flee. They caught me every time with open arms when I reached back out.”
You are not alone
Survivor Lilly has a message for anyone affected by domestic abuse: “You're not alone. You are not alone. There is massive amounts of support out there, but if you don't know, that's the hardest thing. I mean, I've learnt so much from professionals that I never even knew of but if you don't know about which roads to go down, basically where to start or who to go to, who to turn to. I highly recommend the local [Medway and Kent] domestic abuse support service, as a starting point and for long-term support too. That there is help out there.”
Completely unacceptable
Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council and White Ribbon Ambassador, said: “All forms of domestic abuse are completely unacceptable, and to see that violence against women and girls has increased in the last five years is a clear signal that we all still have more work to do. Speaking up against this damaging behaviour is vital to changing people’s attitudes. This is not something which can be tackled in isolation, and by spreading awareness we can encourage people to stand up and call out abuse confidently.”
The new survivor-led website DomesticAbuseServices.org.uk has been co-created with the invaluable insights and direct experiences of adults and children who have experienced abuse and practitioner experts in the field, to make critical routes to safety quicker, clearer and more accessible than ever before. The site offers safety planning resources and immediate support options.
Shine a light
Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council, said: “It is not a message we want to have to keep repeating, but as long as there are people suffering from domestic abuse, we will continue to shine a light on it. Speaking about abuse and making sure people know that there is support out there, is so important. If you are experiencing abuse, please know that you are not alone – and reach out for the support and help on offer.”
NHS Kent and Medway, Southeastern Railway and Southern Water are supporting the campaign, with posters being distributed across all NHS Trust hospitals and healthcare settings, the Southeastern rail network and at key Southern Water sites.
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 helps to raise awareness and empower staff in the NHS to recognise and respond to domestic abuse.”
Raising awareness
Adam Downing, Southeastern Safeguarding Team, said: “At Southeastern, we are proud to uphold our White Ribbon accreditation and its core values of respect, equality, and zero tolerance for Violence Against Women and Girls. Working with the Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Partnership, we are raising awareness through posters across stations in Kent and Medway, helping people access support and encouraging everyone to speak out against domestic abuse.”
Speaking out saves lives
Daryl Stenning, Partnership Manager, Affordability & Vulnerability at Southern Water, said: “Speaking out saves lives and silence protects harm. We’re proud to support efforts that help communities know the signs, see the risks, and speak out against abuse. Supporting vulnerable customers means recognising the hidden harms they face. Through the #KnowSeeSpeakOut campaign, we’re helping communities feel empowered to speak out, seek help, and stay safe — because everyone deserves to live free from fear.”
To access the #KnowSeeSpeakOut campaign training and resources, visit DomesticAbuseServices.org.uk/KnowSeeSpeakout
To access specialist Domestic Abuse support please call Victim Support 0808 168 9276 or visit 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 is an emergency).