16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence 2024
On a local level, we have developed the theme to become more inclusive. It is recognised that gender-based violence does not exclusively impact women.
This year, we and our partners are taking this opportunity to promote 5 key areas:
- Topic 1: Intersectionality raising awareness and access to services
- Topic 2: Engaging safely with people who cause harm
- Topic 3: Women’s Safety
- Topic 4: Increasing Trust and Confidence in the Statutory Services
- Topic 5: Online harm and pornography
This content will challenge assumptions about how domestic and sexual violence may present itself in:
- LGBT+ communities
- younger people
- older generations
This is international period of awareness raising. It is also an opportunity to highlight the important work and support of private, public, charitable, and voluntary sectors.
We work to support people who are vulnerable to all forms of domestic abuse and sexual violence. We do this alongside our partners who include:
- Devon and Cornwall Police.
- NHS Devon.
- The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall.
- The Probation Service.
- The other South West Peninsula Local Authorities. As well as the local Community and Voluntary Sector Standing Tall Partnership.
We commission the Torbay Domestic Abuse Service. They provide support and safe places to stay. We also commission the Intercom Trust to provide the Safer Rainbow Project. They deliver specialist domestic abuse support to LGBT+ communities across Devon.
We also work with Devon Rape Crisis and the Sexual Assault Referral Service. We make sure people experiencing sexual violence can receive support.
We offer an inclusive service which is something we wanted to highlight during the 16 days of action. Data does clearly indicate that women are more vulnerable to domestic abuse and sexual violence. We also know however that this issue is not exclusive to one gender.
There are of lots of events, activities, and resources planned for the 16 days of Action. This includes:
- A touring bus at various locations across the bay
- A talent show
- A march through Torquay town centre
- Various webinars
Take a look at the full Torbay Schedule 16 Days of Action Plan 2024
It can be difficult to identify the signs of domestic abuse violence. The Are you OK? website might help you understand some of the behaviours you are experiencing personally. It might help you deal with something you are worried about for a friend or relative. The website also contains a directory of services - local and national - that you can access. Domestic abuse or sexual violence can happen to anyone - please ask for help or advice if it has happened to you.
In an emergency or where you or your family are in immediate danger, always call 999.
