White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Action
White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls. Their aim is to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes. They work with men and boys to change long-established, and harmful, attitudes, systems and behaviours around rigid gender norms and masculinity that perpetuate inequality and violence. Their work is preventative; we want to stop violence before it starts.
The national Church of England is hosting a series of in-person and online events to highlight the danger that women and girls face regularly, with various themes including abuse, coercive behaviour and stalking, the sex industry, and theological reflections on submission and relationships.
White Ribbon Day launch event
- When: Monday 25 November 2024, 10:30am to 11:30am
- Where: Online (use the password NCI2024!) and in-person at Church House, Westminster (use the password NCI2024!).
For those joining in person, refreshments will be provided and you will have a chance to meet the panellists and other colleagues at the in-person event. Led by a keynote by the Christian domestic abuse charity, Restored, an expert panel will discuss key issues in the domestic violence space and how you can help make a difference. The panel includes:
- Bishop Robert Springett, Host/Moderator
- Rev Casey Strine, Secretary for Theology and Theological Adviser to the House of Bishops
- Alex Kubeyinje, National Director of Safeguarding
- Siân Thomas, Survivor and Independent Chaplain/Advocate
- Bekah Legg, Restored CEO
16 Days of Action webinars
What About Incels?
Wednesday 27th November, 11am to 12pm, Online (password: NCI2024!)
Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the world of ‘incels’, or involuntary celibates, a group often linked to online communities that harbour extreme views on gender and relationships. This session will explore the roots of the incel phenomenon, its social impact, and how it intersects with issues of misogyny, mental health, and violence. Led by Emily Brailsford, National Programme Manager at Mothers’ Union, we’ll unpack this complex topic and how their presence in the media and on social media forums might influence other members of your society.
If you would like to know more about Mothers’ Union and the work they do in the UK and around the world, please visit their website or get in touch with their Membership Engagement Manager, Atim Abrams, who will talk to you about what it means to belong to Mothers’ Union. Email or call 020 7222 5533.
Survivors of Domestic Abuse with No Recourse to Public Funds
Friday 29th November, 12pm to 1pm, Online (password: NCI2024!)
In this vital session, we delve into the unique challenges faced by survivors of domestic abuse who have no access to public funds, often due to immigration status. Many of these individuals find themselves in precarious situations, unable to seek safety or support. Join us as The Asian Women’s Resource Centre highlights the experiences of these survivors, discuss the systemic barriers they face, and explore pathways for offering compassionate, effective support within these constraints.
Stalking – Understanding and Responding
Monday 2nd December, 11am to 12pm, Online (password: NCI2024!)
Each year, around 1.5 million people in England and Wales experience stalking, yet it’s often misunderstood and underreported. This session, led by the experts at the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, will unpack the psychology of stalking, the different forms it takes, and the severe impact it has on victims’ lives. We’ll cover strategies for identifying and responding to stalking, equipping attendees with the tools to provide informed and empathetic support to those affected by this persistent and invasive crime.
Submit to One Another: Why the Bible Doesn’t Say You Have to Submit to Abuse
Tuesday 3rd December, 10am to 12pm, Online (password: NCI2024!)
One in four churchgoers has experienced domestic abuse and a significant proportion of those have had scriptures such as Ephesians 5 misused to encourage them to continue to submit not just to their spouses but to abuse. In this thought-provoking talk, experts from Restored will help us to explore the misuse of religious texts to justify abuse God’s intention for his children and their relationships. This session is ideal for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how faith can be a source of strength and safety, not control or harm.
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Supporting Survivors in a Digital Age
Wednesday 4th December, 11am to 12pm, Online (password: NCI2024!)
With technology playing an increasing role in abuse, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline offers crucial support that extends to tech abuse, including digital stalking, monitoring, and harassment. Join the UK’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline Managers at Refuge to learn more about how the helpline provides guidance and protection for those impacted by tech-enabled abuse and discover how we can all contribute to a safer digital world.
Women in the Sex Industry: Challenges and Pathways to Support
Thursday 5th December, 11am to 12pm, Online (password: NCI2024!)
An estimated 72% of women in the UK sex industry have experienced violence whilst working. This session, hosted by Beyond the Streets, will explore the realities faced by women in the sex industry, including issues of exploitation, safety, and stigma. We’ll discuss effective ways to support these women, acknowledging the complexities of their experiences and the systemic barriers they encounter. This talk is an invitation to broaden our understanding, challenge preconceptions, and consider new approaches to advocacy and outreach.