16 Days of Action

This CHOOSEDAY marks the first day of the 16 days of action against domestic violence.

The 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence is an international campaign that seeks to address and combat domestic violence, which disproportionately affects women and marginalized communities. However, it is not just those groups. Anyone can suffer domestic violence. The term domestic violence implies that there has to be actual violence to “qualify”. Also not true! It can be coercive control, financial abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, emotional abuse, honour based, online, forced marriage to name but a few!

In the year ending March 2025, an estimated 7.8% of people (around 3.8 million) in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse. Women are disproportionately affected, with statistics showing they are more likely to be repeat victims, suffer injury, or be killed in domestic abuse cases. Police recorded 1,350,428 domestic abuse-related crimes in England and Wales in the year ending March 2024, though the true number is likely much higher due to underreporting.

An estimated 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6-7 men experience domestic abuse during their lifetime. However it is thought that less than one-in-five victims report to the police, indicating the true scale is much larger than reported figures suggest.

It’s is so difficult to break free from DV and a person who is experiencing it will try, on average, 7 times to leave their perpetrator. In that time there will have been on average 34 incidents. It really doesn’t bear thinking about…

There is help out there though… If you believe you are in danger then please call 999 and ask for help. In Cumbria, there are trained staff from Victim Support in the call centres to ensure the correct advice can be given.

You can also contact Victim Support direct on 0300 303 0157

For sexual abuse and violence, contact The Bridgeway on 0330 223 0099

There are many other services and helplines available. Don’t be afraid to reach out. You are not alone and there is help and support waiting for you 💚

#16Days #EndDomesticViolence #SupportSurvivors #BreakTheSilence