On a local level, we have developed the theme to become more inclusive - as 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 the assumptions about how domestic and sexual violence may present itself in LGBT+ communities, younger people, and older generations.
This international period of awareness raising is also an opportunity to highlight the important work and support of private, public, charitable, and voluntary sectors.
We work alongside partners including Devon and Cornwall Police, NHS Devon, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, the Probation Service, and the other South West Peninsula Local Authorities; as well as the local Community and Voluntary Sector Standing Tall Partnership, to support people who are vulnerable to all forms of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
We commission the Torbay Domestic Abuse Service to provide support and safe places to stay and Intercom Trust to provide the Safer Rainbow Project – delivering specialist domestic abuse support to LGBT+ communities across Devon.
We also work with Devon Rape Crisis and the Sexual Assault Referral Service to ensure people experiencing sexual violence can receive support.
“As a Council we offer an inclusive service which is something we wanted to highlight during the 16 days of action. Although data clearly indicates that women are predominantly more vulnerable to cases of domestic abuse and sexual violence – we know that this issue is not exclusive to one gender.
