Today marks the start of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, an annual campaign that runs from November 25 (the international day for the elimination of violence against women) to December 10 (international human rights day).
The campaign aims to raise awareness of different forms of domestic abuse over 16 days, focusing on a different theme each day.
To mark the start of the campaign, the Mayor of Solihull held an event, which was attended by the Solihull Soroptimists, other councillors and council staff.
The Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Shahin Ashraf MBE, said: “The 16 Days of Activism are a rallying cry to take action against abuse in all its forms, especially violence against women and girls. It is a global campaign that helps us raise awareness about gender-based violence and the support services available for those who may need it.
“This year, more events will be taking place in Solihull than ever before, including Soroptimist displays, online workshops, and much more.
This is a hugely important campaign and I’d encourage all Solihull residents to consider attending some of the events and find out more about the local support available for survivors of abuse.”
A wide range of events, organised by the Council’s community safety team, will be taking place throughout the campaign. These include:
- Stalls at Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre on Friday November 29, Monday December 2 and Tuesday December 10, all between 10am and 3pm
- Stalls at Asda Shirley on Monday December 9 between 10am and 2pm
- “Coffee with a copper” drop-in session at Asda Shirley on Monday December 9 between 10am and 2pm
- “Coffee with a copper” drop-in session at JLR social club, on December 10, between 4 and 9pm.
- “Coffee with a copper” drop-in session at the Solihull Central Majid and Community Centre (101 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3HG), on December 5, between 11am and 2pm
- An online workshop on honour based domestic violence and forced marriages, to be held on December 3, between 11am and 1pm. Register for the workshop on Eventbrite.
- An online workshop on victims of domestic violence and restorative justice, to be held on December 6, between 1pm and 2pm. Register for the workshop on Eventbrite.
- An online workshop on domestic violence and mental health, to be held on December 10, between 11am and 12pm. Register for the workshop on Eventbrite.
The Solihull Soroptimist’s will have six displays at locations around the borough. The locations include the Civic Suite (Homer Rd, Solihull B91 9SE), Chelmsley Wood Library, Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, the Three Trees Community Centre and the ground floor of John Lewis in Solihull town centre. For more information on the Soroptomist displays, follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
Abuse can take many different forms and can happen to anyone regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability.
Please look out for more information about the campaign on the Council's social media channels over the next couple of weeks.