16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence

16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence is a national campaign which runs from 25 November to 10 December and creates an opportunity to come together to raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence towards women and girls. This year, the theme is: “UNITE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”.

Digital tools are increasingly being used to stalk, harass, and abuse people. These acts don’t just happen online and can often lead to things like coercion, stalking, physical abuse, and death occurring in real life. And although the 16 days of activism is an international campaign to end violence against women and girls, digital abuse, and all forms of abuse, also affect men and boys.

The Doncaster Violence Against Women and Girls action community group will be holding their annual vigil marking the International Day of Eliminating Violence Towards Women and Girls on Friday 21 November at the Unitarian Church, Hallgate, Doncaster city centre from 6pm.

Councillor Gemma Cobby said “Gender based violence is never justified and we all have a duty to confront family members, friends or colleagues who engage in this behaviour, by calling them out and saying this is unacceptable. Misogyny must end, and the vigil is crucial to demonstrate our commitment to ending violence and hate crime towards women and girls.”

In addition to marking International Day of Eliminating Violence Towards Women and Girls, the upcoming vigil will also coincide with the relaunch of the Safe Haven initiative for the 2025 winter period.

Itself based at the Unitarian Church; Safe Haven is — as its name suggests — a reassuring place for vulnerable people who need support during their nights out in Doncaster. Bridging the gap between the public and emergency services, it provides refreshments and pastoral support courtesy of a team of experienced volunteers, who can do anything from delivering basic first aid to escorting lone revellers to taxis or even just lending a listening ear.

The Safe Haven operating hours for 2025 are:

• Saturday 25 October, 8-12pm
• Saturday 29 November, 8-12pm
• Friday 19 December, 8-12pm

Sue Farmer Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families said “Any behaviour that makes women and girls feel uncomfortable or scared is wholly unacceptable. However, violence against women and girls, often perpetrated by men, is particularly reprehensible. For those who have experienced such actions, support is available.

“If you have concerns regarding domestic or sexual abuse, or any form of violence, abuse, or harassment directed at women and girls, there are ways to reach out for advice and support.  You can contact the police directly, contact the domestic abuse hub or speak to a trusted professional who can help you access the support you need.  Remember, you are not alone, and we are here to help you.”

Safe Haven is part of a whole host of support available to help the people of Doncaster stay safe this season in the city centre and beyond. Through their ongoing Safer City initiative, City of Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Police are working closely together to make sure that members of the public can enjoy all that Doncaster has to offer as the nights get darker.

As part of this collaboration, residents can expect to see an increased council and police presence in the lead up to Christmas, targeted patrols in hotspot areas, and the increased use of enforcement powers granted under the city centre’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). In addition to stepping up these routine operations, the council is also introducing other safety measures and resources to help protect the public on nights out. These include the return of the city centre taxi marshall service, Best Bar None accreditations and the Ask for Angela scheme. For more information about all of these, please visit the council website.

Meanwhile, for more information about the support available to address violence against women and girls in Doncaster, you can again visit the council’s website. 

If you are experiencing any form of abuse, you can contact South Yorkshire Police on 101. In an emergency, please dial 999 and press 55 if it is not safe for you to speak.