16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence

25 November 2022

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, which takes place annually from 25 November to 10 December, is an international campaign that aims to raise awareness of and prevent violence against women and girls.

Our Yorkshire Ambulance Service Safeguarding Team is promoting the event by providing information and advice about domestic abuse.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone who you know, general advice for anyone experiencing domestic violence or abuse is available at on the NHS website

Did you know that women can live with domestic abuse for two or three years before telling anyone? On average there will be 50 incidents of abuse before they seek help.

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. Women are more likely to be victims, but men can also be the target of domestic abuse. Children can also be victims of domestic abuse – whether they live in a home with adult victims or are themselves harmed directly.

Things to look out for that may indicate domestic abuse:

  • Injuries without explanation (normally people will volunteer an explanation).
  • Injuries which are minimised or concealed.
  • A partner who is unwilling to allow a patient or client to be alone with professionals.
  • A patient or client who appears passive and dominated by their partner.
  • Anxiety, depression and being withdrawn, particularly if this is not usual for the patient or client.
  • Expressing suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide.

Bright Sky App to help those suffering from domestic abuse

The Bright Sky App provides practical support and information on how to respond to domestic abuse.

The app helps you to spot the signs of abuse, know how to respond and help someone find a safe route to support. It can be used by anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or by those who are worried about someone else. It is also available to use in Polish, Punjabi and Urdu.

Features

  • A unique UK-wide directory of specialist domestic abuse support services, so you can contact your nearest service by phone from the app, searching by area name, postcode or using your current location.
  • A secure My Journal tool, where incidents of abuse can be logged in text, audio, video or photo form, without any of the content being saved on the device itself.
  • Questionnaires to assess the safety of a relationship, plus a section on dispelling myths around domestic and sexual abuse.
  • Information about domestic abuse, the different kinds of support available, tips to improve your online safety, and how to help someone you know who is experiencing domestic abuse.
  • Advice and information on issues around sexual consent, stalking and harassment.
  • Contact details and the ability to call national helplines providing support for those affected by domestic and sexual abuse across the UK.
  • Links to further resources and information on topics around domestic abuse.

The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices via the App Store and Google Play Store.

For those aware that their partner or ex-partner monitors their device, the app can be hidden from view using the ‘cover mode’ and disguised as a weather app, game or a calendar app.

Produced by: Corporate Communications Department