Newham Council backs 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence

Newham Council is supporting the United Nations-led 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence. The campaign will run in the borough from 25 November to 10 December 2026.

Throughout this period, residents aged 16 and over will be able to access free face-to-face domestic abuse support. Services will be available at East Ham Library, Shipman Youth Zone, and Newham University Hospital. These drop-in sessions do not require an appointment and are available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

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Awareness and Support Services

The campaign aims to increase awareness of abuse against women and girls. Newham Council, in partnership with organisations including the London Stadium and Excel London, is highlighting the support services available across the borough. Awareness-raising sessions will also be conducted by 'The Unshame Newham' sexual violence campaign, a collaboration involving East London NHS Foundation Trust, GALOP, and Hestia.

Hestia, the council's commissioned domestic abuse service provider, will be offering support throughout the 16 Days of Activism. Residents can also contact Hestia directly for confidential advice and guidance at any time of the year. The helpline number is 0808 196 1482.

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In a joint statement, Councillor Susan Masters, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Environment; Councillor Lakmini Shah, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Communities; and Councillor Imam Haque, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Deputy Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Communities, emphasised the importance of ensuring women and girls feel safe. They stated, "Everyone deserves to feel safe and we want to ensure women and girls in our borough know there is plenty of support available, should they ever face abuse."

The councillors added, "We are proud we are supporting the global 16 Days of Activism campaign in Newham. It’s a reminder that we need to unite to end abuse and protect survivors. Often, abuse takes place behind closed doors and those affected can feel trapped. It’s up to all of us to speak up and show support. We will listen to survivors, we will believe survivors and we will take action to offer survivors support."

Campaign Theme and Next Steps

This year's campaign theme is 'ensure justice, protect survivors, end impunity'. Newham Council stated its commitment to providing survivors with safe ways to report domestic abuse and to offering emotional and practical support to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds through its partnerships.

The council encourages all Newham residents to attend events and spread awareness to those who may be affected. Further information about Hestia's services and locations can be found on the council's website.