Force shares 16 survivor voices for 16 days of action against gender based violence

Bedfordshire Police is empowering communities to stand together against male violence against women and girls as the force shares 16 voices for 16 days. 

The force is collaborating with Luton based community group Nine Red Presents to share 16 survivors’ voices through a series of blogs and poetry as part of an international campaign against gender based violence.

Saturday (25 November) marked White Ribbon Day, the international day for the elimination of violence against women, and the start of 16 days of action to raise awareness of gender based violence. 

During this period, Bedfordshire Police is working closely with partners and other organisations across the county to raise awareness of key topics such as male violence against women and girls (MVAWG), domestic abuse, stalking and harassment and serious sexual assault.

The 16 voices demonstrate the raw emotions survivors face when going through and rebuilding from domestic abuse, sexual assault and other crimes.

One survivor spoke about when she was in a coercive and controlling domestic abuse relationship, and the breakdown and changes in the relationship as he started to overcome her.

She said: “There wasn’t a definitive change in his behaviour. It was slow changes, barely noticeable.

“He made me feel safe. Until he didn’t.

“He’d already taken my job, so I had no money and he had full financial control. In doing so, he prevented me from being able to go back home to see my friends and family.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown, the force’s lead for MVAWG, said: “Sadly, sexual, coercive and domestic abuse offences disproportionately affect women and girls, and because of that we are working to create a safer environment for women and girls across Bedfordshire. 

“The White Ribbon campaign is an opportunity for everyone to take a stand together to eliminate male violence and abuse against women.

“As a society we need to challenge harmful behaviour and encourage more people to be an upstander in our efforts to make keep women and girls safe across the county.

“We understand that it can be difficult to speak out, but we are creating a platform empowering people to be heard.

“We know that people are living with abuse and in fear in our county, and whether you are experiencing abuse yourself, or you are worried for someone you know, there is always help available.”

To find out more about the work Bedfordshire Police is doing, visit the website.

Reports can be made to police on 101, or via our online reporting tool. 

Always call 999 in an emergency.