A series of free events, workshops, displays and productions will take place across Cornwall to raise awareness of violence against women and girls (VAWG).
They are being run by organisations across the Duchy as part of ‘16 Days of Action’, an annual international campaign that calls for an end to gender-based violence.
It begins today (Tuesday, November 25), the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and finishes on Wednesday, December 10, Human Rights Day.
People across our communities are being encouraged to show their support by joining in and learning more.
The full line-up of events can be found on the Safer Cornwall website.
There is also a mobile library event across the 16 days where professionals from various community services will be riding on the mobile library bus route to stop and speak to the public and share information.
The bus route details can be found here: Mobile Library - Cornwall Council
Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Public Health, said:
“We are proud to stand front and central with everyone taking part in the 16 Days of Action to end violence against women and girls. Every story shared and every act of violence committed against women shows just how urgent this issue is. We need to listen, believe, and most importantly, take action.
“This affects so many lives in our communities, and it takes all of us working together to make a real difference. Through ongoing effort and strong collaboration we can and will create a safer Cornwall for everyone. We are determined to relentlessly strive for better.”
It is estimated that one in four women have experienced some form of abuse before of their sex the age of 16.
In England and Wales 3,000 offences are recorded each day, with one in 12 women a victim of violence every year, with the actual number expected to be much higher.
Statistics for Cornwall show that:
- In 2024/25, 11,568 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to the police in Cornwall, up by 6% from last year. Domestic abuse-related crimes made up 22% of all crimes recorded by police in Cornwall.
- Around 7,000 adults and 1,400 children and young people received some form of intervention across the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence agency partnership in Cornwall.
- Since 2020, 24 women have died in Cornwall as a result of domestic abuse.
- 11 women have been killed by men who were either their current or former partner, or a family member.
- 12 women, who were victims of domestic abuse, took their own lives, and another death, also linked to domestic abuse, is likely to be determined as suicide pending an inquest.
- Of the 24 domestic abuse related death reviews commissioned in Cornwall since 2020, 22 involve a female victim.
Simon Mould, Chair of the Safer Cornwall partnership, said:
“Violence and abuse often go unnoticed and unchecked—and that’s when they become normal. We can’t let that happen. That’s why we’re asking everyone in our communities to stand with us, speak up, and help drive change.
“The 16 Days of Action is a chance to connect with the services that offer support across Cornwall, learn more about the issue and its root causes, and understand how we can all play a part in ending it. Real change starts when we all get involved.”
For more information visit the Safer Cornwall website or email Cornwall Council’s domestic abuse and sexual violence team at dasv@cornwall.gov.uk