16 days of activism: Redbridge leads the fight against gender-based violence

Published: 27 November 2025 Five people stand in front of a banner for Redbridge Domestic Abuse Service at an indoor event.

Redbridge Council is once again standing united against violence against women and girls (VAWG) as part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, running from Tuesday 25 November to Wednesday 10 December.

This international campaign brings together communities, organisations, and individuals with one shared goal: to end gender-based violence in all its forms. From local groups to international bodies, people everywhere are standing up and saying: enough is enough.

The campaign concludes on Tuesday 10 December – Human Rights Day – a reminder that violence against women and girls remains the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violation worldwide. In the UK alone, an estimated 2 million women are victims of violence perpetrated by men each year.

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: “16 Days of Activism is more than a gesture — it’s a call to action. It’s our chance to reflect, confront challenges, and renew our commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

“This year’s focus on digital abuse shows how online harm has devastating real‑world consequences. Through our Reach Out service, Redbridge is proud to stand with survivors and fight for a community free from fear and violence. 

“But we can’t do it alone. Ending gender‑based violence takes all of us — councils, schools, organisations, businesses, and individuals — standing together to say abuse will never be tolerated. In Redbridge, we’re determined to build a borough where women and girls are safe, valued, and empowered. Change is possible — but only if we all play our part.”

The 2025 theme, “End digital violence against all women and girls,” highlights the growing misuse of technology to cause harm. Online abuse—including cyberbullying, image-based violence, deepfakes, hate speech, doxxing, and stalking—has real-world consequences, from coercion to physical violence and, in the worst cases, femicide.

Redbridge is proud to lead by example through its Reach Out service, which puts survivors and children at the heart of everything. Recognised nationally as a model of compassion and impact, Reach Out demonstrates the borough’s commitment to building a community where everyone can live free from fear, free from violence, and free to thrive.

Saturday 6 December, 10:30am–3pm

16 Days Stall – Wanstead High Street - outside the Co‑op, Wanstead High Street

Join us for a special community awareness stall as part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender‑Based Violence. This event is about more than raising awareness — it’s about standing together to say no to violence against women and girls. 

Visitors will have the chance to:

  • Learn more about the realities of gender‑based violence and how we can all play a role in ending it.
  • Show support for survivors by donating essential items to help those fleeing domestic abuse.
  • Connect with local services and community allies working tirelessly to create a safer, fairer Redbridge.

Help is also available for those who want to address their abusive behaviours and for those who are worried about their behaviour and wish to address it.

The Council's award-winning Reach Out service, recognised as a 'centre of excellence,' provides high-quality support to those experiencing domestic abuse. Reach Out is a support service for any adult or child aged 16 or over in Redbridge who is experiencing domestic abuse.

The service provides practical help and emotional support to victims/survivors, including children and young people who have been affected by domestic abuse.

Find out more at Reach Out.