16 Days of Action – combatting domestic abuse
Monday, November 24, 2025
Wakefield Council is joining forces with local partners to deliver a programme of events and activities in support of the annual 16 Days of Action and White Ribbon campaigns.
16 Days of Action is an annual international campaign, aimed at raising awareness of and preventing domestic abuse and violence against women. It begins on 25 November, the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.
“In the last year alone, 2.3 million women and girls in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse. That’s a shocking statistic.
“Domestic abuse takes different forms – not just physical. It can include psychological, emotional, honour-based, financial and digital abuse. And every form can have a devastating impact. Not just on the women involved but on their children and wider families too.
“We all have a role to play in creating safer communities and supporting those affected.”
Cllr Maureen Cummings
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Champion
“Raising awareness of the different types of abuse, their causes and consequences is essential. We want to empower people to recognise abuse, speak out, support victims and help break the cycle for future generations.
“That’s why the Community Safety Partnership is delivering a programme of activities to equip people with the tools to do that.
“We are also encouraging people to join Wakefield Council in signing the White Ribbon pledge. To promise never to commit, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.”
Cllr Daniel Wilton
Cabinet Member for Communities and Chair of the Community Safety Partnership
The 16 Days of Action programme includes a series of activities and training events covering topics such as stalking and online abuse. Some sessions are available for practitioners in the Wakefield district who work with or encounter those experiencing domestic abuse or those abusing and harming others. Others are designed specifically for employees of the Council, the NHS and the Police. Additionally, Well Women Wakefield, in conjunction with the Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service, is running a drop-in information session for women between 10am-12noon on 3 December.
A key event during the 16 Days of Action is Wakefield’s first ever Reclaim the Night march, taking place from Wakefield Exchange on Thursday 27 November, 6pm – 8.30pm. This will be preceded by a free banner-making drop-in workshop at 2.30pm in Wakefield library. From 5pm, local providers, including the Community Safety Partnership, will be hosting stalls at Wakefield Exchange. Opening discussions and the march will take place from 6-8:30pm, starting from Wakefield Exchange. Both women and men are encouraged to take part.
For help, advice and more information about domestic abuse visit Domestic abuse - Wakefield Council.
More information
White Ribbon UK is the leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women. It challenges harmful attitudes and behaviours such as sexism, promotes gender equality, and works with young people to foster respectful relationships. Wakefield Council is proud to support the charity and White Ribbon Day, which is held on 25 November. For more information and to sign the pledge, visit: White Ribbon Day 2025 — White Ribbon UK
People can also watch a series of four thought-provoking videos feature the stories of ‘Maddie’ and other survivors of domestic abuse 16 Days of Action - Wakefield Council.
If you are aged 16 years or above and have been affected by domestic abuse, help the Council to improve the support it offers to other survivors, victims and their families. People can share their experience in an anonymous survey. Their voice will help shape the Council’s training and services.