• The movement is an international campaign aimed at ending all abuse against women and girls
• The Council supports the campaign through a calendar of events open to all residents, professionals and those who work and visit Newham
• This highlights the Council’s commitment to supporting survivors of all genders and identities.
Newham Council is challenging domestic abuse in partnership with various organisations, as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, aimed at increasing awareness of abuse against women and girls. Several events will be held in Newham from Monday 25 November, which is the International Day of Violence Against Women and Girls, through to Human Rights Day on Tuesday 10 December. The local authority is standing in solidarity with global organisations seeking to eradicate the abuse of women and girls.
Workshops, in-person events and learning events will take place in partnership with Hestia, London Black Women’s Project, Newham HPAS, East London Rape Crisis, the Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO), Ashiana, Victim Support, DWP, Positive East and Newham University Hospital.
The Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, said: “Understanding the experiences of domestic abuse survivors can only truly be achieved when you listen to the voices of lived experience. Our calendar of events is open to residents of all genders, aged 16+. They have been arranged in response to identified local needs and the wishes of Newham residents to learn more.
“I would encourage anyone who would like to seek support to join us and our partners. If you are concerned about a loved one and want to know more about the help available, we welcome you to attend. As is evident throughout our strategy, we will listen to survivors, we will believe survivors and we will take action to offer survivors support.
“I would also like to thank our partners for their ongoing work to ensure survivors receive specialist and excellent support when they require it. I am pleased our Council is able to work with them to deliver crucial services.”
The events include presentations on domestic abuse support, sexual violence services, understanding harmful practices, homelessness, welfare benefit support, supporting those with HIV, healthy relationships, supporting male and LGBTQ+ survivors and the provision of culturally specific therapeutic work in Newham.
The 16 Days of Action campaign will also see the launch of a powerful new film, Harassment Stops Here, highlighting the issue of harassment faced by women and girls. The film sheds light on how seemingly harmless actions by men and boys contribute to a culture of discomfort, fear and intimidation, encouraging viewers to reconsider the impact this behaviour can have on women and girls in public spaces.
The film invites men and boys to recognise that harassment includes a range of behaviours such as catcalling, staring, unwanted remarks, and obstructive actions; sometimes normalised, these can leave many women feeling vulnerable and unsafe. The film highlights the importance of creating a respectful and welcoming environment for all by fostering small, yet meaningful changes in everyday life to help make Newham a safer place. Residents are being encouraged to share the film on social media using #RespectHerJourney to build awareness, challenge harmful attitudes.
For the full calendar of events, visit: www.newham.gov.uk/16days. They are open to all residents and professionals in Newham (aged 16+).
You can view the Newham Domestic Abuse Strategy (2022-2025) here.
For information on Newham community-based domestic and sexual abuse services, please call Hestia on 0808 196 1482 or email InfoNewhamDSV@hestia.org
