On Tuesday 25 November, Cheltenham Borough Council and partners will initiate its support for the “16 Days of Activism” campaign, aimed at ending male violence against women and girls.
Throughout the 16 days, the council will share various safety measures and resources for victims of domestic abuse via its social media channels. These initiatives are informed by community consultations and the recent Purple Flag perception survey, which gathers data about night-time venues in Cheltenham, with safety being a factor.
This survey specifically seeks the perspectives of women and girls regarding their safety in Cheltenham’s town centre, particularly during evening and night-time hours.
To further the campaign for safer streets at night, the community is encouraged to join the Gloucestershire Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC) in the ‘Reclaim the Night’ walk through Gloucester on Friday 28 November as the community ‘reclaims the night’ to campaign for safer streets for women and girls. Please find the flyer here.
Further night-time safety initiatives in Cheltenham, which are applied year-round, include the #AskforAngela and #AskforClive initiatives in licensed venues such as pubs and clubs.
Patrons of night-time venues can simply speak to a bartender or staff member, in any Cheltenham venue, to get the assistance needed. This can include any harassment, feeling uneasy, or any uncomfortable situation. For any concerns with these initiatives, people are encouraged to reach out to [email protected].
Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “These 16 Days are crucial for refocusing our local and global efforts to enhance the safety of women and girls in our town, especially during the evenings and night-time when concerns are highest.
“I urge everyone to participate in ‘Reclaim the Night’ on 28th November and to be vigilant in supporting those who might be facing gender-based harassment, intimidation, or violence, ensuring our town remains a safe place for all.”
Sharne Maher, CEO of Gloucestershire Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC), said: “Creating safer spaces for women and girls is not just a campaign, it’s a community responsibility. Every step we take during these 16 Days of Activism reinforces the message that gender-based violence has no place in our society. We invite everyone to join us for ‘Reclaim the Night’ and stand together for a future where safety and respect are guaranteed for all.”
For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264231, email [email protected]
For more information, contact: [email protected]
Notes:
For 16 Days of Activism resources, please visit the UN Women website.
For support from GRASAC, contact: 01452 305421
