The campaign runs until 10 December and begins with White Ribbon Day. Men can show their support by making the White Ribbon Promise. They can show solidarity to ending violence against women and girls.
Torbay Council was the first organisation in the South West to receive White Ribbon accreditation. We actively promote the movement.
We are joining with local organisations including the Standing Tall Partnership. We want to help people who are worried about their relationships to reach out for advice and support.
This doesn’t just mean reporting to the police. It could mean talking to:
- a trusted friend or family member
- your GP
- your employer
- a faith leader
- a local support service
As part of the campaign, all Torbay libraries will host Standing Tall drop-in sessions. There is lots of advice and support available. People can also anonymously report instances of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
During the 16 days, flashmobs will take place across Torbay on three different dates. The aim is to raise public awareness and share information about local services that can support people.
Standing Tall and Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services will stage a RivieraFM takeover on Friday 1 December . They will talk about domestic abuse and sexual violence and play relevant songs.
Partnership organisations will be getting together on Wednesday for a conference. They will explore how they can work together to end domestic abuse and sexual violence in Torbay.
Cllr Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said:
“It’s important that people who feel vulnerable in their relationship know there is always somewhere to turn if things get bad.
“This may mean talking to a loved one, someone they work with or someone in their community – a faith leader or teacher. Domestic abuse and sexual violence can affect anyone of any age and background.
“We are lucky in Torbay that organisations work closely together to offer the right support for people. There will always be somewhere to turn for advice anonymously and confidentially.”
We work alongside partners to support people who are vulnerable to all forms of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Partners include:
- Devon and Cornwall Police
- NHS Devon
- The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner,
- The Probation Service
- other Southwest Peninsula local councils
- the local community and voluntary sector Standing Tall Partnership
We commission:
The Torbay Domestic Abuse Service. To provide support and safe places to stay.
Intercom Trust to provide the Safer Rainbow Project. Delivering specialist domestic abuse support to LGBT+ communities.
We also work with Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services. We want to ensure people experiencing sexual violence receive support.
Dates and times of drop-in sessions:
Torquay Library:
- Tuesday 28 November from 10am – 12pm
Paignton Library:
- Tuesday 5 December from 2pm – 4pm
Brixham Library:
- Tuesday 12 December from 2pm – 4pm
For further information see 16 Days of Action Programme
We're committed to combatting violence against women and girls. We recently launched our Safety of Women at Night Charter. We invited licensed premises to make a pledge to prioritise the safety of women at their venues.
It is also working alongside Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services to support Shout Up! Torbay, a training programme for staff in Torquay pubs and bars. The training will help them identify and eliminate sexual harassment of female customers.
