Camden Council takes action to end male violence against women and girls
Last night, the Council led a borough wide debate around the issues of male violence against women and girls as part of a programme of events to end gender-based violence in Camden.
The debate took place during yesterday’s Full Council and included councillors, the borough commander, community groups and local organisations who work to support women and girls in the borough.
Representatives from Hopscotch, the Camden Women’s Forum, Solace Women’s Aid and Outspoken Sex Ed also attended to share their views around this ongoing issue.
A vigil to remember the 19 women that tragically died in London as a result of male violence this year also took place outside the Crowndale Centre before the debate. Candles were lit for each of the 113 women killed in the UK in 2021 from male violence.
The vigil and the debate are part of a programme of events in support of White Ribbon Day and the ‘16 days of action’, which takes place internationally to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.
We have a longstanding commitment to doing everything we can to end violence against women as well as supporting survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Earlier this year, the Camden Women’s Forum launched an inquiry into ways to prevent and tackle domestic violence and abuse and we are also supporting schools to teach about the importance of healthy relationships and mental wellbeing as part of their curriculum. Camden Safety Net also provides crises support to domestic and sexual violence victims and survivors.
However we have a long way to go. During the 16 Days of Action we will be talking to everyone in the community with the message, ‘You’re Not Alone’, signposting survivors of violence and abuse to get help and support and making a special call to all our male allies. Together we can make Camden a safe place for all.
In a report by UN Women, it was found that 97% of women aged between 18-24 have been sexually harassed in the UK, with a further 96% not reporting these situations. In Camden, we want this to change and for our borough to be a place where women and girls feel safe to go about their daily lives without feeling intimidated, frightened or threatened.
Too often the onus for tackling male violence against women and girls also falls on women. In Camden, we want our approach to be on tackling male violence against women and girls at its root. Male allies are vital if we want to tackle male violence against women and girls and prevent it taking place for future generations.
During White Ribbon Day on Thursday 25 November and the ‘16 days of action’ which will follow, the Council will be highlighting actions taken to tackle the issue and asking communities, organisations, and workplaces, to come together and commit to never condoning or remaining silent about domestic abuse. You can add your name and commitment to our online pledge at camden.gov.uk/dv-pledge to show your support and help us build awareness.
A Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) action plan was also published earlier this year and led to a new housing and domestic abuse policy to ensure that victims who are in contact with housing can get a consistent response to domestic abuse and are properly supported. Other actions include setting up a Violence Against Women and Girls board to bring together the police and community and voluntary organisations to begin a new programme of action and mandatory domestic violence abuse training for all Council staff.
The Council will also be running a series of ‘Women’s Safety Walkabouts’ in partnership with the Police to understand where women in the borough do not feel safe and look at what we can do to tackle that.
How to access support
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, of any form, need support or advice, or you are worried about a friend or relative’s relationship, please contact:
Camden Safety Net, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Tel: 0207 974 2526, email: [email protected]
In an emergency always call 999, or for non-emergency matters with which you require police assistance please call 101.
For more information and support on domestic violence, including information on spotting the key signs of domestic abuse or unhealthy relationships head to camden.gov.uk/domestic-violence