International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

12:22pm - 24 November 2022
The Goal - White Ribbon

This Friday, 25 November, is the annual global Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This year, White Ribbon Day UK where men and boys are being urged to unite to help end violence against women and girls.

It is happening in the same week as the start of the men’s football FIFA World Cup. Unfortunately, we know that domestic abuse and cases of violence against women increase during the men’s football World Cup.

In 2014, The Pathway Project produced a research paper that looked at the number of incidents of domestic abuse reported to one police force in England during three World Cup football tournaments.

The study found that the number of incidents was 38% higher on days when England lost a match when compared to days when they weren’t playing. It was also found to be 26% higher when the team won or when there was a draw.

White Ribbon Day highlights and encourages ways men and boys can make a pledge and help create a world of equality and safety for women.

An event is taking place in Weston-super-Mare to mark White Ribbon Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which is held on the same day. Join the march on Friday 25 November from Weston-super-Mare railway station at 11am, or meet at noon in Grove Park for the annual orange ribbon tie, reading and poetry.

This will mark the start of the ‘16 days of action’, a national campaign to end domestic violence taking place between Friday 25 November and Saturday 10 December 2022.

Domestic abuse will never be tolerated, no matter how unusual or difficult the circumstances.

Locally, domestic abuse support service Next Link Domestic Abuse Services provides safe houses for families, single women, women with complex needs, and men. It also offers independent specialist support for high-risk victims and community outreach support for low or medium-risk victims. Those who receive support can go on to build safe fulfilling lives free from violence and abuse.

If you need support for yourself or someone else:

If you need help yourself, in an emergency call 999. If you can’t speak, press 55 when prompted.

A round-up of all support services and discussion forums is available on the Safer Stronger website: https://saferstrongerns.co.uk/information-advice/domestic-abuse.