North Devon and Torridge join 16 Days of Action to end gender-based violence

A campaign to reduce the shocking numbers of gender-based violence and especially violence against woman and girls launches this weekend with 16 Days of Action.

The initiative is a global campaign but organisations across Devon, including in North Devon and Torridge, have joined forces to stage a variety of events to raise awareness of the spectre of violence that is sadly still a part of daily life for thousands of women.

The events locally will include a cold water swim, a paddle out at Saunton, workshops, webinars and marches in Bideford and Barnstaple.

This year the campaign is being driven by several organisations including Brave Spaces (part of Encompass South West), North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA), FearFree, Devon Rape Crisis, Devon County Council, Colab Exeter and MIND Somerset.

It runs from Saturday, November 25 - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – to World Human Rights Day on December 10.

In Devon alone, it has been estimated there are a shocking 36,000 cases of domestic abuse, but only a tiny proportion of people reach out for support.

NDADA, which provides refuge and specialist support and recovery services for women has around 1,000 to 1,100 referrals per year in North Devon and Torridge alone.

Emma Bass of Brave Spaces said they hoped as many people as possible would go along to support the various events or take part in the online workshops.

She said: “Even if we can only raise awareness among a few people, it will be worthwhile. Despite being in the 21st century, gender-based violence is sadly still all too common and the numbers continue to grow.

“The general public may not realise, but every day thousands of people are living in fear or trauma because of violence or abuse and it is vital we raise awareness of this and hopefully make it something unacceptable that people will call out or report.

“The various events are designed to bring communities together to raise this awareness and help end violence against women and girls.”

Events include a Reclaim the Night march through Barnstaple on December 9, starting at 4.15pm, meeting at the Square by the museum, followed by a march and then a vigil. People are invited to bring banners, candles and floral tributes if they wish.

There is also a Reclaim the Streets march in Bideford on Thursday, December 7 to challenge sexual violence, street harassment and other violence that mainly targets women and girls, starting at 5pm at the entrance to Victoria Park.

This Sunday (November 26) at 2pm there will be a cold water swim at Westward Ho! Meet at the slipway. This is at your own risk and a lifeguard may not be on duty. Sea conditions and weather dependent.

Other events include an online Mindfulness session with NDADA at 10am, see the link below, as well as a paddle out with NDADA at 10am on Sunday, December 3 at Saunton Sands. All surfers and paddlers welcome, but again please be aware this is at your own risk.

There are webinars on December 4 to address the impact of domestic abuse on young people, as well as December 7 looking at animal abuse of pets as a means of coercive control over victims. Plus older people and domestic abuse training on December 8.

Brave Spaces is holding weekly drop-in events in Barnstaple (Tuesday, November 28 and December 5 at 2pm) and Bideford (Thursday, November 30 and December 7 at 1pm), for people who identify as women.

For more details on the many events taking place and how to join the webinars, or register for the drop-in sessions, please go to https://saferdevon.co.uk/domestic-sexual-violence-abuse/16-days-of-action-in-devon.