Call for stand against gender-based violence this November

The SSGP, made up of partners across the city is backing the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign, which is a global campaign fighting against gender-based violence.

It runs until Human Rights Day on December 10 and aims to raise awareness that violence against women and girls is still the most prevalent human rights violation in the world. 

The call comes with the launch of the Night Angels in Gloucester, who will patrol the city centre to keep women safe from harm at night-time.

The group which has been supported by Gloucester City Council already operates in Stroud. 

Founder Chrissie Lowery, said: “The Night Angels are highly trained and offer first aid, a safe haven, transport home, hydration and many other forms of care, using our kindness model. We’re invested in stopping violence towards women and girls and we are raising awareness of the 16 days of activism. It is our mission to educate, respond, prevent and help stop gender-based violence.”

Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, Cabinet member for Community Engagement at Gloucester City Council, said: “Ending violence regardless of one's gender is an issue where everyone can make a difference, from raising awareness to being better bystanders or allies and stepping in where they see someone feeling uncomfortable or at risk. I am excited that Night Angels has their new premises and know that they will make a real difference for women and girls across our city. Together we can make Gloucester a safer place for everyone.”

Nick Gazzard, Founder of the Hollie Gazzard Trust, said: “The 16 Days of Activism is a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by so many women and girls and also a time for us to remember those that we have needlessly lost due to violence. At the Hollie Gazzard Trust, we are committed to raising awareness, providing education, and promoting safety, through initiatives like our specialised training in schools, colleges, universities and workplaces, our Women’s Safety Charter and Hollie Guard – our safety app.”

During the 16 Days people are being asked to support the campaign in a variety of ways:

• Follow Gloucester City Council on Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin and share its 16 Days posts with the hashtags #16days #NoExcuse. 
• Share your experiences and make a pledge against gender-based violence at a pop-up in Eastgate Shopping Centre on Tuesday, November 26, 10am-midday; Wednesday, December 4, 3-5pm and Tuesday, December 10 from 1-3pm.
• Retailers can Support the Night Angels by displaying the purple signs in shops as part of the Safe Space Scheme  Over the 16 days officers from Gloucester City Council will be approaching businesses to take part.
• Sign up for the Active Bystander Workshop - Hollie Gazzard Trust Community members can learn more about sexual harassment, and how they can help combat it by learning skills to intervene as a positive bystander.
• Join our friends in Cheltenham at the Reclaim the Night walk on November 29 from 6pm in Montpellier Gardens, organised by Gloucestershire Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC).
• Wear orange to raise awareness about gender-based violence.  Post your photos online with the hashtag #NoExcuse

Image: left to right - Justin Hudson, the Sheriff's Consort, Alex McIntyre, MP for Gloucester, Councillor Lorraine Campbell, Mayor of Gloucester, Nick Gazzard, founder of the Hollie Gazzard Trust, Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Chrissie Lowery, founder of Night Angels