A series of events has been organised in Southend-on-Sea to raise awareness of violence against women and girls as part of 16 Days of Activism.
The global annual campaign calls for the prevention and elimination of gender-based violence and was started by the United Nations. It began on Saturday 25 November, which is the international day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, which is Human Rights Day.
A women-only march will also take place from 5.30pm on Wednesday 6 December, along the High Street from The Ironworks to the Odeon, as part of the national Reclaim the Night event, organised locally by Safe Steps.
Cllr Helen Boyd, cabinet member for children's services, education and learning, is speaking to women at the Reclaim the Night event. She said: “This is a worldwide issue and by being involved with these events we are giving residents the opportunity to show their support for all women and girls here in Southend, and all around the world.
“While it is necessary for everyone to pay reasonable regard to their own personal safety, historically the pressure on women and girls to not attract attention and diminish their behaviour has been greater. While there have been many improvements in attitudes recently, there is still more to do.”
There will also be an information stand inside The Ironworks with more detail about Reclaim the Night, and White Ribbon, the UK's leading charity for teaching men and boys about the long-established and harmful attitudes, systems and behaviours, which impact women.
Cllr James Moyies, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: “Several male councillors across the political spectrum are White Ribbon ambassadors and the council continues to be recognised as a White Ribbon authority, reflecting the commitment the organisation has to this issue.
“This year's focus for White Ribbon is #ChangeTheStory to encourage men to play an active role in preventing violence by calling out other men who display negative behaviour and harmful attitudes towards women. By voicing that their manner is unacceptable, it could prevent behaviour from escalating into something more violent in the future.”
The council is also working towards its Domestic Abuse Housing Accreditation (DAHA) so frontline staff involved in the council's housing teams can identify the signs of possible domestic violence situations and discreetly signpost residents to help.
If you have experienced domestic abuse or violence, or are worried about someone you know, please contact Safe Steps. Call 01702 302333 or visit their website.