Sandwell Council, in partnership with West Midlands Police and Black Country Women’s Aid, has launched a powerful new campaign – Sandwell Stands Against Violence Towards Women and Girls.
The launch today (Tuesday 25 November) marks the start of the internationally-recognised 16 Days of Action.
The campaign begins with White Ribbon Day (25 November), where male leaders across Sandwell pledge their support and with Sandwell Council House in Oldbury being lit up in orange.
The 16 Days of Action aims to raise awareness, encourage community participation and reassure the public in a series of events across Sandwell’s six towns, including the flagship Reclaim the Night walk on 8 December and a borough-wide Violence Against Women and Girls summit on 10 December.
Each event will focus on a specific issue – such as domestic abuse, stalking, online safety or sexual violence – and will be led by a named female councillor. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with support agencies, access resources, and receive confidential advice throughout the campaign.
At the heart of the campaign is a bold visual message: “Sandwell Stands”, featuring local people. This community-led artwork will be displayed across social media, public spaces and at events throughout the 16 days, signposting people to support and to share their support.
Sandwell’s Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, said: “Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe in our borough – and we will not stop until that is a reality. We are proud to work with our partners and communities to raise awareness, support survivors and take action.”
Councillor Paul Moore, Deputy Council Leader, added: “This campaign has a clear and united message: Sandwell stands against violence towards women and girls. We all have a responsibility to work together to help women and girls feel safe in Sandwell.”
Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, Sandwell Police Commander for West Midlands Police, added: “We are committed to working alongside Sandwell Council and our partners to tackle violence in all its forms. The 16 Days of Action is an opportunity to listen, engage and show that we stand with women and girls. We encourage everyone to take part in the events and help make Sandwell safer.”
Sara Ward, Chief Executive of Black Country Women’s Aid, said: “This campaign is about visibility, solidarity and change. Every day, our services support women and girls affected by abuse. By standing together, we send a powerful message that violence will not be tolerated – and that help is available.”
Residents are encouraged to attend events, share the campaign online using #SandwellStands, and join the Reclaim the Night Walk to show their support.
Find out more about events and how you can get involved by visiting our Sandwell Stands webpage.
#16Days #VAWG #WhiteRibbon
Visit Black Country Women's Aid website for advice and support or call BCWA's 24-hour helpline on 0121 552 6448. Always call 999 in an emergency.
Calendar of events open to the public:
Rowley Regis event:
Wednesday 26 November, 10am to 1pm
Cradley Heath Library, Upper High Street, Cradley Heath, B64 5JU
Theme: Domestic Abuse – The impact on victims and children and building safe community responses.
Wednesbury event:
Friday 28 November, 10am to 1.30pm
Wednesbury Library, Walsall Street, Wednesbury, WS10 9EH
Theme: Exploitation and Modern Day Slavery – Highlighting women’s experiences, linking local and global exploitation.
Tipton event:
Monday 1 December, 2pm to 4pm
Jubilee Park Community Centre, Powis Avenue, Tipton, DY4 0RJ
Theme: Stalking – raising awareness, prevention, and safeguarding.
Oldbury event:
Tuesday 2 December, 10am to 2pm
The Oak Tree Centre, Tame Road, Oldbury, B68 0JP
Theme: Rape, Sexual Violence and FGM – Challenging societal attitudes and supporting survivor voices.
West Bromwich event:
Wednesday 3 December, 1.45pm to 4pm
Central Library, High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8DZ
Theme: Harmful practices – so-called ‘honour’ based abuse.
Smethwick event:
Thursday 4 December, 12 noon to 4pm
Smethwick Family Hub, Corbett Street, Smethwick, B66 3PX
Theme: Tech-facilitated abuse and stalking, digital safety – online threats and harm
Reclaim the Night Walk:
Monday 8 December, 4pm to 7pm
Meet at Sandwell Council House at 4pm, Freeth Street, Oldbury, B69 3DB
This is a peaceful, family-friendly, stewarded walk, mainly on pavements and well-lit streets in Oldbury. Free to attend – please register so we can plan safely for numbers.