Our 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence

Stop Domestic Abuse is calling on the media and the public to stop the culture of victim blaming which is so often depicted on screen and on social media.  

From 24th November until Human Rights Day on December 10th, we will engage in 16 Days of Activism across Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton to raise awareness of violence against women and girls and the damage caused by victim blaming language 

As part of the 16 Days, we will be marking White Ribbon Day and International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls which both take place on 25th November.

For 2023 Stop Domestic Abuse has chosen the theme #LanguageMatters. The theme ties in with our own organisational values whilst supporting the themes of Change the Story and Invest to Prevent adopted by White Ribbon Day and International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.  

We’re encouraging our supporters to use the hashtag #LanguageMatters to start conversations about how media headlines can often direct the reader’s attention away from the perpetrator of abuse and onto the victim. This can make a victim of abuse feel ashamed and that they are responsible for the harm they have experienced. Our staff will take to the streets in a series of awareness raising events highlighting the issue of victim blaming and encouraging people to think again about how victims of abuse are often portrayed in the media. 

We will visit colleges across the county to speak to young people about their views on healthy relationships and the ‘red flags’ which young people perceive as signs of unhealthy or potentially abusive relationships.

In addition to these community events, we will be hosting a range of free online training events for professionals and parents, which aim to reduce the use of victim blaming language and develop parents’ confidence to speak to young people about healthy relationships. 

A unique exhibition of artwork produced by victims of domestic abuse living in the charity’s refuges will be open to view at Portsmouth Central Library between 2:00pm – 3:00pm on Tuesday 5 December. This free exhibition, curated by Stop Domestic Abuse, aims to give a voice to survivors of domestic abuse and give expression to their own personal experiences of victim blaming. 

Here is the full timetable. For bookable events, please use the Eventbrite Links below: 

“White Ribbon Day is a powerful global event when we stand together against violence against women and girls. By engaging in conversations with friends, colleagues, family members and young people we can all challenge beliefs and empower victims not abusers.

#LanguageMatters to victims of abuse. At Stop Domestic Abuse we are committed to changing the narrative and challenging the seemingly ‘harmless’ attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence for women and girls.”

Claire Lambon, CEO

Thank you to bethereglobal.com for video production.