We’re taking part in The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence from 25 November to 10 December 2021, with a host of events, and pledging our support across social media.
What are the 16 days of Activism?
The 16 days of Activism against gender based violence is a global initiative, seeking action to end violence against women and girls around the world. The 16 Days run from 25 November (the UN International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women and White Ribbon Day) to the 10 December (Human Rights Day). You can find out about local events further below.
What is the White Ribbon Campaign?
The White Ribbon Campaign recognises the positive role that men play in preventing violence against women, based on the understanding that most men are not violent. It is therefore a means for men to speak out against violence and abuse and to safely challenge the attitudes and behaviours of a minority of men who use or condone violence against women.
You can also offer your support for the campaign all year round by pledging never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women and girls in all forms by wearing a white ribbon on the day.
Don’t miss the Pan-Sussex virtual event on 9 December
We’re running a joint online event with West Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council on 9 December, during the 16 days of activism, with guest speakers from the Survivors Network, LifeCentre, Hersana and a ‘conversation with’ Ryan Hart.
Becky Shaw, Chief Executive of East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council will be opening this event, which is open and free to professionals, organisations and members of the public. See further details in the events listings below. 
Have your say on the draft domestic abuse accommodation and support strategy for Sussex
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 requires local authorities to publish a strategy setting out how they will protect and assist survivors of domestic abuse in supported safe accommodation. In Sussex we have developed a draft strategy that covers Brighton & Hove, East and West Sussex.
We believe the proposed strategy will make a real difference to the lives of survivors and their children, and we welcome your views on it. What you tell us will help us ensure we get it right and make the most of the additional funding that is being provided. Have we got the priorities right? Is there anything we have missed?
Please complete the Online Survey which closes on 19 December 2021.
Events listings
Every day between 25 November – 10 December:
East Sussex County Council will be raising awareness of the White Ribbon campaign during the 16 days of activism which recognises the positive role that men play in preventing violence against women. There are a series of events in public spaces across the county, detailed below, to raise awareness of the campaign, hand out white ribbons and encourage members of the public to make a pledge.
The Joint Unit for Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence and Abuse & Violence against Women & Girls (VAWG) Brighton & Hove and East Sussex will be running a social media campaign with key messages and links to support for each day. In East Sussex, the campaign will run on the East Sussex Safer Communities Partnership Facebook and Twitter.
The Office of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner are running a ‘Do the Right Thing’ campaign targeting men and boys behaviour (sexism, misogyny and violence). This will be online, with posters in key locations across Sussex. This is supported by Survivors’ Network and you can contact Lucie.venables@sussex-pcc.gov.uk for further details.
The Survivors’ Network are holding a ’16 actions shared’, one for each day, around addressing rape culture, with their winter fundraiser being promoted as part of this. One day of the actions will be collaboratively promoted with LGBT Switchboard around the joint Trans, Non-Binary and Intersex (TNBI) report. You can follow the Survivors’ Network on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Thursday 25 November:
8am – 9am / Battle Fire Station / organised by Hastings and Rother Councils / Join them for the White Ribbon campaign launch.
12.30pm / online event for professionals / hosted by Switchboard / An open event for attendees to ask any questions they may have about Switchboard’s new service, as well as a myth busting exercise. Switchboard are keen to hear from you about how we can best support each other, as well as any gaps in services you’d like to talk to them about. Sign up to this free virtual event
2pm / online event / hosted by Switchboard / This event is a safe space for survivors to share their experiences and to hear about Switchboard services. Josetta Malcom, an experienced facilitator in self-care and meditation, will be grounding attendees in healing practices at the end of the session. Sign up to this free virtual event
Friday 26 November:
6pm / Starting at Brighthelm Centre Gardens / organised by local activists / This ‘Reclaim the Night’ event is to challenge street harassment and sexual violence, raising funds for the Survivors’ Network. Join the Facebook event group
Saturday 27 November:
Time TBC / Lantern Theatre / It’s the final performance of Janette Eddisford’s production of Lucy Kirkwood’s play Maryland in association with the Royal Court Theatre, raising money for RISE. Book tickets
Time TBC / Live podcast / hosted by Stonewater Refuge / On the Air podcast with special guests from Switchboard and Southall Black Sisters. Listen to the podcast live
Thursday 2 December:
10am – 2pm / Station Plaza Hastings / organised by Hastings and Rother Councils / Council officers and local organisations will be present to raise awareness of the campaign and hand out white ribbons. There will also be a stall outside Hastings College and at the Ore Valley Campus.
Sunday 5 December:
All day / online event / hosted by Veritas Justice / We can all play a part in keeping women and girls safe across Sussex and here you can find out more about what you can do to become an upstander. Find out more
Thursday 9 December *featured event*:
10am – 1pm / online event / hosted by East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council
This Pan-Sussex event will feature guest speakers from the Survivors Network, LifeCentre, Hersana and a ‘conversation with’ Ryan Hart, whose mother and sister were killed by their father. Ryan and Luke Hart have since dedicated their lives to raising awareness of coercive control and understanding how domestic abuse does not need to involve physical violence.
Becky Shaw, Chief Executive of East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council will be opening this free virtual event for professionals, organisations and members of the public.
Book your free tickets or contact natasha.gamble@eastsussex.gov.uk
Friday 10 December:
10am – 11am / Bohemia Road Fire Station / organised by Hastings and Rother Councils / council officers and local organisations will be present to raise awareness of the campaign and hand out white ribbons.
If you know of any other events or activities taking place do tell us in the comments below.
Keep up to date during the 16 Days of Activism on the Safer East Sussex team website.
