North Tyneside announces 16 days of action to stand against domestic abuse

North Tyneside Council and its partners are taking part in an international 16 Days of Action against gender-based violence.

Launching on 25 November, the days of action will be marked by events across the borough to highlight the issue of domestic abuse and encourage victims, both men and women, to seek support.

This year’s campaign launches on the international day for the elimination of violence against women, which also coincides with White Ribbon Day.

The bright and bold colour of orange is the designated colour for the campaign and residents may spot it across the borough during the 16 days. Displaying the colour represent the hopes of a future free from violence.

As a White Ribbon accredited organisation, the council will fly the White Ribbon flag outside of Quadrant East and local landmark St Mary’s Lighthouse will be illuminated orange for the full 16 days.

North Tyneside is striving to be a borough where victims of all forms of abuse feel confident to come forward to access the specialist practical and emotional support on offer.

To show how the borough stands in solidarity, the council is once again hosting its annual DIVA (Don’t Ignore Violence and Abuse) Walk along the coast. At the event each year women, men and children come together to walk the 3.5 miles between Tynemouth Priority and The Links at Whitley Bay. The popular walk will take place on Sunday 27 November, starting at Tynemouth Priory at 11am.

For the first time there will also be a dedicated parkrun takeover at the Rising Sun Country Park on Saturday 26 November, starting at 9am. Runners are encouraged to sign up and wear something orange while taking part.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Women have the right to always feel safe whatever they are doing; whether on the dance floor or walking through the park. But we have to accept there are times when they don’t. Male violence, particularly against women, is a big problem and it’s not going away. We must fight to change that. And I’m committed to this cause. Lots of work is happening across our region to address concerns around women’s safety and I will keep building on this. For instance, I’ve invested nearly £2 million into making our region’s public spaces safer. This means more patrols, more interventions and more education.

“As well as being a policing priority, the whole of society needs a reset. Unacceptable attitudes and behaviours like domestic abuse and harassment must not be tolerated. I’m always proud of how the North-East comes together speaking out on these matters, striving for change and reaching out to victims offering support. I’m looking forward to getting my running shoes on and joining the women of North Tyneside for their programme of great events over the weekend to make our voices heard.”

Cllr Carole Burdis, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection at North Tyneside Council, said: “Domestic abuse can affect anyone and each year we’re proud to support the 16 days of action to raise awareness of the issue and hopefully encourage victims to come forward, report it and seek help.

“We want people to know that they are not alone. We have a range of support we can provide and there will always be someone available to speak to you and support you, whatever your circumstances. We are here to help.”

“This year’s campaign is more timely than ever as it comes at the same time as the launch of the World Cup. There’s never been a better time for us to focus on the good that can come from people of all genders coming together to support this common cause. We want to bring everyone together to think about how they can make a positive difference to achieve equality and safety for all.”

Further information on the support available in North Tyneside and the 16 days of action campaign can be found at my.northtyneside.gov.uk, search ‘domestic abuse’.

You can register your place at the DIVA walk here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/north-tyneside-diva-walk-tickets-42558976…