16 DAYS OF ACTION IN DEVON: 25 NOV – 10 DEC 2023

What is happening in Devon?

Awareness, education and guidance

The picture in Devon

What support is available?

What is 16 Days of Action?

16 Days of Action is an annual campaign which takes place between 25 November (the International Day Against Violence Against Women) and 10 December (World Human Rights Day). It’s a global call from organisations and individuals for an end to gender-based violence, and for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

Throughout the 16 days this year, organisations in Devon are hosting a range of events and activities. Find out more about what’s happening below.    

What is happening in Devon?

Throughout the 16 days, organisations and community groups across Devon are hosting a range of events and activities to help bring together communities, shine a light on the support available to victims and survivors and to campaign to end all violence against women and girls.

 Before participating in any of these events and activities, please see our disclaimer.

Events for everyone

  • Saturday 25 November – White Ribbon Day, How can you #CHANGETHESTORY
  • Sunday 26 November
    • 14:00 Cold water swim at Westward Ho! Meet at the slipway by the amusements. Please be aware this is at your own risk and a lifeguard may not be on duty. Wave and weather dependent.
  • Wednesday 29 November
    • 10:00 – 10:30 Mindfulness with North Devon Against Domestic Abuse, online – you do not need to sign up in advance, please click here to join the meeting on the day. 
  • Thursday 30 November
    • 18:15 Reclaim the Night Exeter, starting from Positive Lights Venue, Exeter (16:30 – 18:00 banner making, safe spot and refreshments). March with us to challenge sexual violence, street harassment and other forms of violence that predominantly target women and girls.
  • Sunday 3 December
    • 10:00, Paddle out with North Devon Against Domestic Abuse, Saunton Sands, North Devon. All surfers and water people welcome. Please be aware this is at your own risk and a lifeguard may not be on duty. Wave and weather dependent.
  • Monday 4 December
  • Thursday 7 December
    • 13:00 – 15:30 Animal abuse as strategy of coercive control, webinar – To book your space and receive joining instructions please email mary@refuge4pets.org.uk.
    • 14:00 – 16:00 Marketplace, Co Lab, Exeter. Drop in and see what services are available in Devon.
    • 17:00 Reclaim the Streets Bideford, meeting at the entrance to Victoria Park, Bideford Quay. March with us to challenge sexual violence, street harassment and other forms of violence that predominantly target women and girls
  • Friday 8 December
  • Saturday 9 December
  • 10:00 Cold water swim at Exmouth. Meet at Exmouth RNLI Station. Please be aware this is at your own risk and a lifeguard may not be on duty. Wave and weather dependent.
  • March with us to challenge sexual violence, street harassment and other forms of violence that predominantly target women and girls.
    • 16:15 – 18:00 Reclaim the Night Barnstaple, starting at the Museum, Barnstaple.
    • 19:00 Reclaim the Night Tiverton, starting at Creative Hub, Fore Street, Tiverton

Women only events

Women only events are inclusive to all individuals who identify as a woman.

  • Weekly women’s drop in run by Brave Spaces where they will create banners and casts of female bodies to decorate and display. Further information available by emailing bravespacesnd@encompass-sw.org.uk
    • Tuesday 28 November – 14:00 – 16:00, Barnstaple
    • Thursday 30 November – 10:00 – 15:00, Bideford
    • Tuesday 5 December – 14:00 – 16:00, Barnstaple
    • Thursday 7 December – 13:00 – 15:00, Bideford
  • Thursday 30 November
    • 11:00 – 13:00 Free your Frida, CoLab, Exeter. A headdress making workshop for Reclaim the Night – register by emailing colabwomen@colabexeter.org.uk. Spaces are limited.
  • Saturday 2 December
    • 10:00 – 11:30 Yoga and wellbeing morning with North Devon Against Domestic Abuse, drop in at Barnstaple Library.

Events for professionals

  • Monday 27 November
    • 10:30 – 12:30 Marketplace, County Hall, Exeter. Find out more about services in Devon with an introduction to the new DVSA Needs Assessment.
  • Tuesday 28 November
    • 13:00 – 15:30 J9 Training. Increase your knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse for staff in public and voluntary sector organisation, online – book here.
  • Wednesday 29 November
    • 13:00 – 15:30 Hope training: An introduction to cultural competency, by invitation only.
  • Friday 1 December
    • 12:00 – 13:00 A Safe Space: How to support employees affected by Domestic Abuse, hosted by FearFree, online – book here.
  • Tuesday 5 December
    • 10:00 – 12:30 Out of the Shadows – Sexual Exploitation Workshop, Co Lab, Exeter, register here.
  • Wednesday 6 December
    • 14:00 – 16:30 J9 Training. Increase your knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse for staff in public and voluntary sector organisation, online – book here.

 

 

      Awareness, education and guidance

      Over the 16 Days of Action we would like to encourage you to raise your awareness, take part in self-directed learning and find the right advice or service if you need it.

      Self-directed learning

      • The impacts of violence against women and girls – can you be more trauma aware?

      Guidance

       

        • You can select a ‘closed captions – CC’ or ‘automatic subtitles – AS’ option for the short films we’ve linked to above. The films with an automatic subtitles option may not be fully accessible.

      In Devon

      • It is estimated the 35,000 people are victims of domestic abuse yearly (based on crime survey and census data)
      • 84% of referrals to the domestic abuse support service are for women. Nationally, 74% of victims of domestic abuse-related crimes are women. 
      • One in five of all crimes recorded is linked to domestic abuse (over 22,000 crimes annually), however, most abuse is non-physical and most abuse is never reported.

       These experiences not only touch the life of the person directly affected, but they impact on their family, friends, and communities. Family, friends, and communities play a key role in challenging these behaviours, which is why we are encouraging our communities in Devon to get involved in the 16 Days of Action.

       

      What support is available in Devon?

      Support is for everyone and there are a range of services and organisations in Devon that support victims and survivors to be safe and recover from their trauma. Below is a list of organisations who can provide advice and support in Devon. 

      FearFree

      FearFree is the lead provider of the Devon domestic abuse support service.

      FearFree works to end domestic abuse and sexual violence in partnership with individuals, communities and other agencies by: 

      • Helping people identify, come to terms with and overcome their difficulties and challenges.
      • Providing high quality support services.
      • Generating solutions that are appropriate to the needs of the individuals and their communities.

      Get in touch

      Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Service

      Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Service offers confidential, professional support to all survivors of rape, sexual violence and/or sexual abuse aged 13 and over and living in Devon (not Plymouth). They also offer support to survivors and their families, friends and partners through their confidential and anonymous helpline and email support service.

      Get in touch

      More Positive Me

      More Positive Me works with people who have been impacted by domestic abuse to empower them to break the cycle of abuse and create positive change within their lives through healing, growth and self-discovery.

      Get in touch

      SAFE (Safe Foundation)

      The Safe Foundation supports adults and children experiencing difficulties in life through their experience of domestic abuse. Their community-based therapeutic programmes are delivered through a range of means including individual and group counselling, organisational guidance, training, and workshops. 

      Get in touch

      CoLab (Exeter only)

      CoLab Women supports women facing multiple disadvantage towards recovery and connection. Our Brave Spaces programme is delivered in partnership with Encompass South West across Exeter and North Devon.  We offer direct access to support on a range of issues including specialist domestic and sexual violence and trauma stabilisation support.   We also offer support around sexual exploitation and access to services.

       Get in touch

      North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA)

      NDADA provides temporary refuge, advice and support to women and children who have suffered domestic abuse. They also provide outreach and recovery services including pattern changing, support for parents and children, and counselling. They also aim to educate and inform the public, partners and organisations about domestic abuse.

      Get in touch

      Sunrise Diversity (North Devon only)

      Sunrise is a grassroots charity promoting equality, diversity and social inclusion in rural communities in Northern Devon. They provide services for those with diverse identities such as migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, people of colour, and the LGBTQ+ community, including English classes, a help and support service, and ‘meet and connect’ activity groups. In promoting equality and human rights, Sunrise aims to eradicate violence and abusive practices in society, including abuse and violence towards women and girls.

      Get in touch

      Encompass (North Devon only)

      Encompass’ ‘Women First’ project is all about supporting women who are rough sleeping, sofa surfing or living in temporary accommodation. Women First is a partnership between Encompass, NDADA and Mind in Somerset.

      Get in touch

      Momentum

      Momentum is a peer support group for adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse.  There are no waiting lists, you will always be in control of what you say, everything is at your pace and about healing from the effects of trauma and abuse. Momentum offers individual and group support and can help you find specialist therapy/ counselling if needed.

      Get in touch

      Intercom Trust

      The Intercom Trust provides help against homophobic and transphobic prejudice, crime and discrimination. The Trust has specialist LGBT+ domestic abuse workers in Devon who are here to support you.

      Get in touch

      Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

      The Sexual Assault Referral Centre service provides medical support, examination and counselling after rape or sexual assault across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

      Get in touch

       

      Refuge4Petse4Pets

      Refuge4Pets provides a specialist Animal Fostering Service across Devon and Cornwall to victim-survivors of domestic abuse so that they can leave with their much-loved animals.

      Get in touch

       

       

      Victim Support

       Victim Support is an independent charity providing support to people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We can help people make sense of how a crime has made them think, feel and act, look at how to feel safer and ensure they are aware of their rights and services available to them. 

      Get in touch

      • Helpline: 0300 303 0554 (9am – 6pm weekdays)

      • National Support line: 0808 16189 111 (24/7)

      • Website with live chat (24/7)

      Useful resources and links

      In an emergency – Silent 999 Solution

      Further support

      Support in other areas of the South West

      Partners

      16 Days of Action in Devon has been developed with support from the following organisations.

        CoLab Exeter logo
        Intercom Trust logo
        Accessibility by WAH