Sandwell Launches ‘Sandwell Stands’ Campaign to Combat Violence Against Women and Girls
Oldbury, west Midlands – Sandwell Council has launched its annual “Sandwell Stands Against Violence Towards Women and girls” campaign today, marking teh beginning of 16 days of Action against gender-based violence. The initiative, running from November 25th through December 10th, aims to raise awareness, demonstrate solidarity with survivors, and drive lasting change in the community.
The campaign comes as rates of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls remain alarmingly high. According to Country Women’s Aid, “This campaign is about visibility, solidarity and change. Every day, our services support women and girls affected by abuse. By standing together, we send a powerful message that violence will not be tolerated - and that help is available.” The 16 days of Action is a globally recognized period dedicated to challenging violence against women and girls,and Sandwell’s campaign seeks to contribute to this wider movement.
Residents are encouraged to participate in a series of public events across the borough,share campaign messaging online using the hashtag #SandwellStands,and join the Reclaim the Night Walk.A full calendar of events is available on the Sandwell Council website at http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/stands.
Event Highlights:
* Rowley Regis: Wednesday, November 26th, 10am-1pm, Cradley Heath Library – Focus: Domestic Abuse – impact on victims and children, building safe community responses.
* Wednesbury: Friday,November 28th,10am-1.30pm,Wednesbury Library – Focus: Exploitation and Modern Day Slavery.
* Tipton: Monday, December 1st, 2pm-4pm, Jubilee Park Community Center – Focus: stalking – awareness, prevention, and safeguarding.
* Oldbury: Tuesday,December 2nd,10am-2pm,The Oak Tree Centre - Focus: Rape,Sexual Violence and FGM - challenging societal attitudes.
* West Bromwich: Wednesday, December 3rd, 1.45pm-4pm, Central Library – Focus: Harmful practices – ‘honor’ based abuse.
* Smethwick: Thursday, December 4th, 12pm-4pm, Smethwick Family Hub – Focus: Tech-facilitated abuse and stalking, digital safety.
* Reclaim the Night Walk: Monday,December 8th,4pm-7pm,starting at Sandwell Council House. Registration is required via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sandwell-reclaim-the-night-walk-tickets-1967649539741.
Anyone experiencing or witnessing violence is urged to contact Black Country Women’s Aid at 0121 552 6448 or visit their website at https://blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk/ for advice and support. In an emergency, always call 999.
The campaign utilizes the hashtags #16Days, #VAWG, and #WhiteRibbon to connect with the broader national and international movement against violence towards women and girls.
