Watford Women’s Centre is asking local residents and businesses to take action and help raise vital funds to target domestic abuse in Hertfordshire.
The #16DaysOfAction challenge is part of a global campaign running from November 25 to December 10, which aims to raise awareness of gender-based abuse and domestic violence.
Nationally one in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
Within East of England, Hertfordshire is the second highest county in the region for the number of domestic abuse related crimes, totalling just over 38,000 crimes between April 2015 and March 2019.
Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics also show that nearly 9,000 domestic abuse-related violence cases were recorded in Hertfordshire between 2018/19, a 68 per cent increase from 2015.
As the only integrated and specialist domestic abuse support service for women in Hertfordshire and North West London, Watford Women’s Centre is reaching out to local residents asking them to get involved in 16 Days of Action to raise £10,000.
Funds raised will go towards the Centre’s training and mental health support services.
To take part in the challenge, simply think of something you could do for 16 days and ask your family and friends to sponsor you and also get them to create their own challenge.
Head to the fundraising site justgiving.com/campaign/16daysofaction to start fundraising and to get some ideas.
All challenge activities should follow the Government’s guidelines regarding social distancing when participating in the challenge.
Fiona Miller, CEO of Watford Women’s Centre said: “COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on the charity sector and fundraising income. We appreciate that many people are facing financial difficulties at this time. But a donation of just £16 could help a woman suffering domestic abuse to start to rebuild her life, whether it’s through social support, increasing employability skills or mental health counselling. Our services help women across a huge area, covering Hertfordshire and North West London, not just in Watford. We’d like as many individuals, local businesses and community groups as possible to get involved in our fundraising challenge, to raise awareness of domestic violence and to raise money so that we can continue to help women improve their lives.”
To join the #16DaysOfAction challenge or to donate via the charity’s JustGiving page, visit justgiving.com/campaign/16DaysOfAction
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