16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
25 November to 10 December - 2023
Ending violence against women is possible, but only if we act together, now.
Our Interfaith and Women’s’ Officer wanted to raise awareness for the 16 days of activism against Gender-based violence. Our interfaith officer wanted to bring all faiths together to pray for women and girls who are suffering from Gender-based Violence and the services that support them worldwide.
The global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a key international moment to call for an end to violence against women and girls. It runs from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10th December, Human Rights Day.
In support of this campaign, the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 initiative calls for global action to increase awareness, galvanise advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to help end all types of violence against women and girls. In 2023, the UNiTE campaign theme is Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls.
In every country and culture, more action is needed to ensure women in all their diversity live free of violence and coercion. Health impacts of violence can last a lifetime, affecting physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health. WHO plays a key role in bringing attention to and responding to violence against women as a public health, gender equality and human rights issue.
What you can do
Help comes in many forms – we can all play a role in preventing violence against women and girls.
If you are experiencing violence, remember you are not alone and it’s not your fault. It may be helpful, if safe to do so, to reach out to family, friends and neighbours, consult a health worker, or to seek support from a hotline or from specialist services.
If you know of, or are concerned about, someone experiencing violence there are some things you can do – starting with being willing to listen:
- Keep in touch with the person, ensuring that it is safe for them to be in touch with you. They might not be ready to talk, but try to find quiet times when they can talk if they choose to.
- Find out what services for survivors of violence against women are available. Only provide this information directly if you can do so discretely. Allow them to make their own decisions.
- If someone you know needs urgent help for whatever reason, be prepared to call emergency services.
Health workers should provide first-line support, for all kinds of violence:
- Listen closely, with empathy and without judgement.
- Inquire about women’s needs and concerns.
- Validate women’s experiences. Show you believe and understand.
- Enhance their safety.
- Support women to connect with additional services.
Our interfaith officer wanted to bring all faiths together to pray for women and girls who are suffering from Gender-based Violence and the services that support them worldwide.
Below are a few links if you have any suggestion on how your faith could participate please comment them below.
Mothers Union provides Christian prayers: Mothers Union 16 Days Prayers.pdf
Islamic Relief provides 16 ways to take action: 16 Days, 16 ways to take action against gender-based violence - Islamic Relief UK (islamic-relief.org.uk)
Jewish women’s aid provides links for support: Jewish Women's Aid (jwa.org.uk)
Support Services
If you are affected by any of the above, please contact our support services on campus through LTSU advice and Student Support, or external organisations such as Leeds women’s aid.
One minute guide: Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS)
Home - LDVS
Domestic Violence & Abuse Support in Leeds - Leeds Women's Aid (leedswomensaid.co.uk)
Domestic Abuse - Contacts | West Yorkshire Police
Getting help for domestic violence and abuse - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
SU Advice Centre
Your well-being is our top concern at the Advice Centre. Your health isn't just important—it's the core of your potential and happiness. Count on us to support you in building a thriving future. Your health matters, and we're here for you every step of the way.
We've put together some information to help but remember if you need to speak to someone book an appointment with us.
Your SU Advice opening hours are 09:00 to 17:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
If your having trouble booking an appointment please contact SUAdvice@leedstrinity.ac.uk or call on 0113 4673949, and we can make arrange an appointment for you.
Emergency Support
If you are feeling suicidal during university working hours, you can visit the Students’ Union and Mental Health and Wellbeing Team (You can make a referral via the MyLTU App).
- For outside of working hours, Student Support Duty Managers are available on campus every day until 5.00am (9.00am – 5am Monday to Friday and 12.00pm – 5.00am Saturday to Sunday to respond to incidents and support students.
You can also ring The Samaritans on 0113 245 6789 (Until 9:00 PM)
If these options are not available to you, you should call the emergency services on 999.