Every year, from 25th November to 10th December, people around the world come together for the 16 Days of Action—a campaign dedicated to ending violence against women and girls (VAWG). This year, Croydon is running a series of events, programs, and initiatives designed to raise awareness, support survivors, and make our community safer.
Why this campaign matters
Violence against women and girls affects families, communities, and society as a whole. Croydon’s campaign this year aligns with the borough’s Tackling VAWG Delivery Plan, a step toward improving community safety and support systems.
Throughout the campaign, you’ll see buildings like Croydon’s Town Hall lit up in the campaign colour of orange, as well as other posters ad leaflets in this colour.
What’s happening during the 16 days?
1. Walks, talks, and vigils
- 25th November: Kick things off with the VAWG Awareness Walk and Vigil, starting outside M&S on Croydon High Street. It’s a chance to remember victims and make a visible stand for safer communities.
2. Spreading the word
- Visit VAWG Awareness Stalls (like the one at Surrey Street Market on 28 November) to learn about local support services and pick up some helpful resources.
- Follow the campaign online through Croydon Council’s VAWG online fair, where they’ll be spotlighting local organisations offering help to survivors.
3. Focusing on schools
- Schools across Croydon will be launching Safe Spaces to ensure students have somewhere to turn if they face abuse.
- Workshops will tackle tough topics like misogyny, sexual violence, and incel culture, helping young people understand the issues and take a stand against them.
4. Bright ideas for community safety
- Have you heard about Ask for Angela? It’s a discreet way to ask for help if you feel unsafe in a public place. Croydon is promoting this alongside Scan for Support QR Codes, which connect you to local services in seconds.
How you can get involved
- Share your voice - Are you a survivor of domestic abuse or violence? The council is looking for volunteers to join the Expert by Experience Panel. Your insights could shape policies, train professionals, and create programs that make a real difference.
- Be an ambassador- If you want to make a difference in your community, become a Domestic Abuse Community Ambassador?
- Support local refuges - Throughout the campaign, donation boxes will be set up around Croydon to collect items for local refuges. Even small contributions can go a long way in helping someone rebuild their life.
This campaign isn’t just about the council or organisations—it’s about all of us. Violence against women and girls is everyone’s business. By joining in, you’re helping to create a safer Croydon.
So, whether you’re attending an event, sharing the campaign online, or simply talking about it with friends and family, your actions matter. Together, let’s make Croydon a place where everyone feels safe and supported.
Attached to this article are resources that you can use to raise awareness:
- VAWG Awareness Walk Image: Please share this across the borough. A poster and phone-friendly image are also attached. We encourage you to join us for this walk to raise awareness about VAWG and the significance of the 16 Days. Feel free to share this within your communities.
- Safe Space in Croydon Schools Poster: This initiative will launch on November 26 in all Croydon schools.
- Window Stickers with QR Code: These will be distributed throughout the borough.
- VAWG Awareness Walk Leaflet: This leaflet will be utilised during the walk to enhance awareness.
Attached to this article are leaflets and posters you can use to raise awareness.
If you are experiencing VAWG, contact the council Family Justice Service (FJS) – see the council's website for more information or scan the QR code below.
