Town to campaign for end to gender-based violence

Campaigners are to hold 16 days of events to highlight the need for an end to gender-based violence.

Cheltenham Borough Council is supporting the "16 Days of Action" campaign from 25 November, with the colour orange to be displayed throughout the town in support of the cause.

Key events during the campaign include exploitation training and young women delivering presentations on their own experiences.

The 16 days will conclude with the Reclaim the Night walk on 29 November, organised by Gloucestershire Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC).

The council will share safety measures and resources for victims of domestic abuse via its social media channels over the 16 days.

The campaign comes after community consultations and the recent Purple Flag perception survey, which gathered data about night-time venues in Cheltenham and asked women and girls about how safe they feel in the town.

Rachel Hole, service and training manager at GRASAC, said the Reclaim the Night movement started in the 1970s, when women were advised to stay at home to stay safe at night.

"Almost 50 years later, we march each year to reclaim public spaces, stand up against male violence against women and girls, and demand safer streets for everyone," she said.

Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said the campaign is "a small timescale compared to the everyday struggles of women and girls in the UK undergoing gender-based violence".

"We must continue to work together with businesses, the police, and residents alike to ensure that safety is a basic right for everyone in Cheltenham," she said.

Campaign rganisers hope to encourage individuals and businesses to adopt orange clothing, decorate windows, and engage in local activities.

Exploitation training for parents and the community will be held on 28 November in the council chambers.

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