16 Days of Action
16 Days of Action is a Domestic Violence Campaign aimed at businesses that lack an infrastructure to deal with the large-scale problem that is domestic violence or abuse. As it stands, companies can do more to aid their employees who endure domestic violence/abuse, train those who witness it, and to protect staff as a whole, with the goal of securing safety and mitigating financial loss.
The campaign began on Friday the 25th November and ends on Saturday 10th of December. The dates the campaign spans were chosen deliberately, as to include three other major International events: International Human Rights Defenders Day (29 November), World Aids Day (1 December) and the anniversary of the Montreal École Polytechnique Massacre (6 December). This is to highlight the connection between human rights and domestic violence. Each organisation approaches the 16 Days differently, some, such as the World Health Organisation, promote 16 facts regarding domestic violence in order to educate the public on an under-reported and misunderstood violation of human rights. Whilst the 16 Days of Action campaign may be coming to an end, it is important that the message of the campaign does not.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence can be actual or threatened physical, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse, which takes place within the context of any close relationship, usually partners or ex-partners. Domestic Violence is not always physical, it does not have to occue within the home, and it does not only concern romantically linked partners. Domestic violence can occur between a mother and daughter or within the workplace between colleagues. Domestic Violence and Abuse is non decriminate, it occurs across all communities regardless of social class, gender, family income, age, sexuality, religion, ethnic or racial background and mental or physical ability.
Why is the 16 Days of Action Campaign so important?
Did you know that as many as 25% of women and 16% men will experience a form of domestic violence within their adult lifetimes. 58% of women experiencing a domestic violence miss at least 3 days of work per month. Furthermore, 33% of all domestic violence homicides take place on work grounds. Domestic Violence affects us all, whether or not we are the abuser or the one being abused. Employers have a legal obligation to assess dynamic risk and support the health and safety and wellness of their employees.
Police: If you are concerned for your own or someone else’s immediate safety always ring the Police on 999. Alternatively you can ring the Police for a non-emergency on 101. The Domestic Abuse Team within the Police (including Independant Advisors) are on 721225 or 721224.
National Domestic Violence Helpline:
Freephone 24 Hour 0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid North East Lincolnshire:
If you are experiencing any form of domestic violence you can ring Women’s Aid NEL on 01472 575757.
Email Support – support@womensaidnel.org
The national Men’s Advice Line: is also confidential and is a FREE from most landline and mobile numbers
Call 08088 010 327 or email info@mensadviceline.org.uk or visit their website www.mensadviceline.org.uk