16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
At Magenta Living, we believe that everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their home and their community. As we mark the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we look at how we can help tackle violence against women and girls and bring a sense of security for those most at risk.
What is Gender-Based Violence?
Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts motivated by a person's gender and can include physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse. Women and girls are disproportionately affected, often facing violence at home, in public spaces, and even in workplaces.
For many, gender-based violence is not only about the act of violence itself, but the patterns of control, manipulation, and systemic discrimination that sustain it. In most cases, violence against women and girl is rooted in gender inequality, stereotypes, and harmful cultural norms.
The first step in tackling gender-based violence is raising awareness around what it is, how victims can be supported and how those at risk can be protected from future harm.
Reaching our community
We work together with local organisations, charities, and partners to offer a wide network of support to our customers when it comes to issues of domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour.
During our 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence we will be attending and hosting a range of public community events:
Lighthouse Coffee Morning
Friday 29th November 9.30am
We’ll meet with survivors of domestic abuse and be on hand to give information on Magenta Living supports victims of domestic abuse as well as provide housing advice.
White Ribbon HUB Event
Tuesday 3rd December, 11am-2pm
An event for customers and colleagues for them to gain some knowledge on how to recognise domestic abuse, how to deal with difficult situations and organisations that are out there to refer to. This event offers use of HUB meeting rooms for private conversations. This will also be for people to come along to who are currently going through domestic abuse to get some support and information.
Domestic Abuse Awareness Training
Thursday 5th December
We spoke to customers to see how what training they would find useful. We’ll be delivering this in line with what they wanted more information and advice on.
Merseyrail Outreach
Friday 6th December 5-9pm
We’ll be talking to those travelling on Merseyrail to spread awareness around signs of domestic abuse, how it peaks over the festive period and how to find support. We’ll handing out leaflets and panic alarms to those who want them.
White Ribbon Walk
Tuesday 10th December, 2pm
Our colleagues will be attending this public walk to show solidarity with others committed to ending violence against women and girls.
Supporting our colleagues
We offer continued learning for our colleagues to give them tools for spotting the signs of domestic abuse and other gender-based violence. It’s also important to offer support to our colleagues who may be experiencing this themselves. As part of our 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence we have organised several events and additional training for our team.
These include:
- A Lunch & Learn session with Tomorrow’s Women
- Cake sale to raise money for Wirral Women and Children’s Aid
- An additional training module on how to spot the signs that someone is experiencing domestic abuse
How support can make a difference
We know that support for victims of abuse is a lifeline and have seen first-hand how someone’s circumstance can change when they are listened to, believed and supported through abusive situations.
We recently received this comment from a survivor of domestic abuse who was able to access support with the help of Magenta Living colleagues:
“If you didn’t help me to leave when I did, I would have ended up dead. After all of the abuse and even rape, I do not wish him any harm and hope he is happy because I am now happy. I now have a heart next to my housing officer’s name in my phone contacts. I am happy and now have a chance in life”
If you or someone you know has experienced gender-based violence or domestic abuse. Here are some places where you can go for advice and support.
Domestic Abuse Numbers and support
Refuge 0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid womensaid.org.uk
Rights of Women rightsofwomen.org.uk
Respect 0808 802 4040
The National Centre of Domestic Violence 0800 970 2070
Merseyside Domestic Abuse Service 07802 722 703
DiAmond – Listening Ear 0151 236 2879