16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign which takes place each year. It commences on 25 November, the International Day for the
Elimination of Violence against Women, until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It was originated by activists at the first Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and this year marks its 30th anniversary.

It provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the many ways in which we can all play a role in changing the culture that has led to a society where almost one in three women will
experience abuse in their lifetime and nearly three women a week are murdered by their male current or ex partner.

We want Waltham Forest to be part of a city and country where men and boys know that abuse and violence are unacceptable and where women and girls can expect to live in freedom and safety.

But what about men?

Whilst domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their economic status, gender, religion, ethnicity or age, it remains highly gendered. The term violence against women and girls can often cause concern about the exclusion of men and boys, which is why services in Waltham Forest offer support to men and boys who experience abuse, as well as those who are LGBTQ+.

Research shows that women are more likely to suffer more serious injury or be killed than male victims of domestic abuse. Women are also more likely to experience higher levels of fear, and to be subjected to coercive and controlling behaviours as evidenced by some recent research in England into gender and domestic violence perpetrators.