Violence against women and girls

Through Her Eyes

Women and girls experience harassment every day from boys and men. 

Staring, unwelcome comments, and jokes of a sexual nature are harassment. These seemingly small acts can grow into violence and abuse.

Women and girls should be able to walk our streets without fear or intimidation. It is not for them to adapt their behaviour to avoid unwanted attention from men or to feel safe.

If it’s not called out, sexual harassment can escalate into violence against women and girls. This abuse is often seen as part of normal life. We want men and boys to make it right by challenging their own attitudes and behaviour, and that of others.

That’s why our campaign ‘Through Her Eyes’ speaks directly to men and boys.

How you can help

Read more about how you can help raise awareness about harmful behaviour, violence or abuse.

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign, which starts on the 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, which is Human Rights Day. 

Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for Southwark Council. 

Throughout the 16-day period Southwark Council will be running a number of events and training sessions. These will highlight the many forms of violence against women and girls, and consider ways in which we can work together towards a future where this abuse and violence is no longer tolerated. 

Details of events and sessions are listed below. You can use the provided links to register for any sessions of interest:

The Cyber Helpline: Lunch and Learn 

• 27 November, 12pm-1pm, Online: Register to attend
• Audience: All Southwark businesses and organisations
• Overview: Join this virtual session from The Cyber Helpline to learn about their free, expert support for victims of cybercrime and online harm. Discover how they assist people to recover from cyberattacks and hear case studies of their work.

Consent Talk for Parents and Carers by Talk Consent

• 27 November, 5pm-6pm, Online: Register to attend
• Audience: Southwark parents and carers
• Overview: This session will focus on the importance of educating children early about sexual violence, consent, and boundaries. It will cover what parents and carers need to be aware of, how to have conversations about these topics, and how to respond if a child discloses something related to sexual violence.

Domestic Violence and Abuse Awareness Training by Refuge

• 28 November AND 6 December, 10am-1pm, In-person: Register to attend either date
• Audience: All Southwark businesses and organisations
• Overview: The Southwark Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS) is delivered by Refuge and provides comprehensive community-based domestic and sexual abuse support services to Southwark residents. This session from Refuge covers topics including the law and the Domestic Abuse Act, barriers to accessing support, what is risk, and an overview of SDAS services, including how to refer individuals for assistance.

Anti-harassment bystander training by Suzy Lamplugh Trust

• 28 November, 1pm-1.30pm, Online: Register to attend 
• Audience: Open to all
• Overview: This training session is designed to empower delegates to be active bystanders when they see harassment taking place, without putting their own personal safety at risk. Tackling the prevalence of unwanted and aggressive behaviours such as harassment that underlie the broader cycle of violence against women and girls is a key priority for the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

Working Around Perpetrators Training: Lunch and Learn

• 2 December, 12pm-1pm, Online: Register to attend
• Audience: All Southwark businesses and organisations
• Overview: Join this virtual session from Southwark Council to learn how to challenge perpetrators of domestic abuse and support change. The training covers identifying signs that somebody is a perpetrator, how to engage with perpetrators, keeping safe, and how to report and support.

Community and Faith Leader's Event: Gender-Based Violence

• 4 December, 5pm-8pm, In-person: Register to attend
• Audience: Southwark Community and Faith Leaders
• Overview: Join Southwark community and faith leaders for an important event addressing gender-based violence, featuring speaker presentations and workshops on topics such as domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, personal safety and behaviour change.

An Introduction to Safe Havens by Safer Business Network

• 5 December, 12.30pm-1pm, Online: Register to attend
• Audience: All Southwark businesses and organisations
• Overview: Join this virtual session to learn about Safe Havens, which are safe spaces for individuals in need of temporary refuge. Find out how your business or organisation can become a registered Safe Haven and help support those in need.

Domestic Abuse Awareness Training: Lunch and Learn

• 10 December, 12pm-1pm, Online: Register to attend
• Audience: All Southwark businesses and organisations
• Overview: Join this virtual session from Southwark Council to learn about domestic abuse, its impacts, and how to identify and respond to it. The training will cover how to talk about, report, and support those affected by domestic abuse.

If you have any questions about the above sessions, please contact Chloe Alexis at Chloe.Alexis@southwark.gov.uk. 

Useful links

• Young person feedback form
• Teacher/Parent/Carer feedback form
• Video discussion with young people - resource pack
• Campaign poster pack