Councils and organisations across West Midlands show commitment to standing against violence towards women and girls as campaign launches

Tuesday marked the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Violence Against Women and Girls, an annual campaign by the United Nations to raise awareness of the continuing drive to end all domestic abuse, including physical abuse, coercive control, financial abuse, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called honour-based abuse, and stalking and harassment.

It was a day which saw councils, campaign groups and other organisations come together to show solidarity on White Ribbon day, the first day of the campaign.

In Wolverhampton, a flag-raising ceremony was held at the Civic Centre as the 10th annual Orange Wolverhampton campaign got underway. 

Launched in 2015, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the continuing drive to end all domestic abuse, including physical abuse, coercive control, financial abuse, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called honour-based abuse, and stalking and harassment. 

Local organisations including Wolverhampton Council, The Haven Wolverhampton, St. George’s House Charity, DORCAS, ROSHNI, and many more have joined together to champion the support available across the city and raise awareness of the campaign. 

Orange Wolverhampton runs until December 10 and supports the UN Orange the World campaign to end violence against women and girls. 

This year’s campaign includes a variety of events to enable as many people as possible to get involved, beginning with the flag raising ceremony outside the Civic Centre.

Speaking at the event, Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Craig Collingswood, said: “From today until December 10, residents, services and community groups will stand together in our continued effort to end domestic abuse in all its forms.

“This campaign gives us a vital opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to protecting women, girls, men and boys, to highlight the services supporting victims and survivors, and to empower our communities to look out for one another. 

“This 10th anniversary shows how far we have come but also reminds us how much work still lies ahead. We know many people in our city experience domestic abuse, often silently, and its impact can be devastating and long-lasting. 

“Over the next 16 days, we must continue to champion our city’s response, protecting those at risk, challenging harmful behaviours, and spreading the message that violence in any form is never acceptable. Together, we are building a safer, brighter and more compassionate Wolverhampton for all.”

Among the organisations in Wolverhampton working to promote the campaign are the Haven Wolverhampton, which has been one of the leading groups behind the campaign to prevent harm, improve support, and amplify survivor voices.

Laura Rogers, CEO at The Haven Wolverhampton, said: “This campaign was designed to bring our city together behind a shared goal: ending Violence Against Women and Girls. 

"As Wolverhampton’s leading domestic abuse support service provider, we carry a responsibility to lead this work with clarity, strength, and partnership.

“For this 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence we wanted to unite with our community partners and demonstrate the power of partnership; it must be everyone’s responsibility when working towards ending Violence Against Women and Girls. 

"We know that real change happens when every part of the community steps up - not only during the 16 Days, but every day of the year. 

"With our partners, we are building a united response that prioritises safety, prevention, and survivor voices.

“We’ve been saddened and appalled by events in our local area and recognise that, what is a toxic right-wing rhetoric purporting to protect women is actually actively harming them. 

"Our message to women and girls in and around Wolverhampton is clear; we are doing all we can to keep you safe in our community and today we call for our partners and communities to do the same. 

"Where domestic abuse, sexual violence, racism and misogyny so often intersect, we unequivocally condemn abuse and violence of all forms against women and girls, and are firm in our position that we all have a right to be safe and to expect safety. 

"We stand with you, and with us you can be seen, heard, and safe.” 

Walsall Council held a pop-up event on Tuesday at Walsall Manor Hospital and is encouraging residents, particularly men and boys, in communities across the borough to support the White Ribbon Day campaign, “We Speak Up”.

Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Mike Bird, said: “As a family man with a daughter and a granddaughter, I am supporting the ‘We Speak Up’ campaign for this year’s White Ribbon Day.

"Walsall stands in solidarity with those who have suffered abuse at the hands of men, and we will continue to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate gender inequality “

In Sandwell, the campaign began with male leaders across Sandwell pledging their support and with Sandwell Council House in Oldbury being lit up in orange.

A series of events will take place across Sandwell’s six towns, including the flagship Reclaim the Night walk on December 8 and a borough-wide Violence Against Women and Girls summit on December 10.

Each event will focus on a specific issue, such as domestic abuse, stalking, online safety or sexual violence, and will be led by a named female councillor. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with support agencies, access resources, and receive confidential advice throughout the campaign.

Sandwell’s Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, said: “Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe in our borough and we will not stop until that is a reality. 

"We are proud to work with our partners and communities to raise awareness, support survivors and take action.”

Councillor Paul Moore, Deputy Council Leader, said: “This campaign has a clear and united message: Sandwell stands against violence towards women and girls. 

"We all have a responsibility to work together to help women and girls feel safe in Sandwell.”

Representatives from Cannock Chase Council, Cannock Police, and New Era will be at Cannock College, between 10am and 12pm, to engage with male students about the importance of standing up against violence and promoting respect and equality.

There will be giveaways from White Ribbon UK, the leading charity in England and Wales, working with men and boys to end violence against women and girls.

Councillor David Williams, Portfolio Leader for Community Wellbeing, said: “White Ribbon Day is an important reminder that we all have a role to play in ending violence against women and girls. 

"By raising awareness and encouraging open conversations, particularly among young men, we can challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours before they escalate. 

"Everyone deserves to live without fear, and together we can make our community a safer, more respectful place for all.”