16 Days of Action: Stand Up Against Violence All Women and Girls

From 25 November to 10 December, the world comes together for the 16 Days of Action for Violence Against Women and Girls. This campaign starts on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on Human Rights Day, two dates that remind us why equality and safety matter.

This year’s theme is UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls. Online spaces should be safe for everyone, but digital abuse such as harassment, stalking and sharing harmful content affects millions of women and girls globally. It is time to change that.

Why does this matter? Gender-based violence is not just physical. It can happen online, in schools or in communities. It impacts mental health, education and opportunities. By speaking up, supporting friends and challenging harmful behaviour, young people can lead the way in creating safer spaces.

Teen Dating Abuse

Domestic abuse is not limited to adults. There is growing awareness of domestic violence within teen relationships:

• 1 in 5 teenage girls have been assaulted by a boyfriend.

• Young women are more likely to experience sexual violence than other age groups.

• Young women with older partners are at increased risk of victimisation.

• Surveys by NSPCC, Zero Tolerance and End Violence Against Women reveal that approximately 40% of young people experience relationship abuse in their teenage years.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

It is not just physical. It can be psychological, sexual, emotional or financial. Examples include:

• Being forced or pressured to do things

• Feeling frightened to say “no” or have an opinion

• Being watched and checked up on

• Having freedom restricted

• Being stopped from seeing family and friends

• Limited or no access to money

• Forced marriage

• Violence, including so-called “honour-based” violence

• Female Genital Mutilation

• Sexual abuse

• Threats to family, pets or possessions

• Isolation and harassment

Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of race, age, class, gender, religion or sexuality. It is never the victim’s fault. Help is available for victims, survivors and even perpetrators.

Reporting Domestic Abuse

• In an emergency: Call 999.

• Non-emergency: Call Merseyside Police on 101 or report online.

• Report anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

• Concerns about a child or young person: Email cadtsocialcare@wirral.gcsx.gov.uk or call 0151 606 2008 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm). Out of hours: 0151 677 6557.

• Advice and guidance: Contact Wirral Family Safety Unit.

The most important thing is to tell someone – a friend, relative, teacher or support service.