Cornwall Is Being Urged To Act Now Against Violence Towards Women

People across Cornwall are being asked to take part in 16 Days of Action, a worldwide campaign calling for an end to violence against women and girls.

The campaign begins today, Tuesday 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until Wednesday 10th December, which is Human Rights Day.

A full programme of free events, workshops, displays and productions will take place across the county, all aimed at raising awareness and encouraging people to learn more and get involved.

Events Across Cornwall

Organisations across the Duchy are hosting activities throughout the 16 days. The full line up can be found on the Safer Cornwall website at
Safer Cornwall 16 Days of Action.

A mobile library event will also run during the campaign, with professionals from a range of community services travelling on the mobile library bus route to speak with the public and share information. The route details can be found on the Cornwall Council mobile library page:
Mobile Library.

Call For Community Support

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.”

The Scale of the Problem

The statistics included in the release show the extent of the issue both nationally and in Cornwall.

Nationally, one in four women are estimated to have experienced some form of abuse before the age of 16. In England and Wales, 3,000 offences are recorded each day, with one in twelve women experiencing violence each year. The true figure is expected to be higher.

In Cornwall:

• In 2024 to 2025, 11,568 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to police, an increase of 6 percent on last year. Domestic abuse related crimes accounted for 22 percent of all crimes recorded.
• Around 7,000 adults and 1,400 children and young people received some level of intervention across the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence agency partnership.
• Since 2020, 24 women have died in Cornwall as a result of domestic abuse.
• Eleven women were killed by men who were their current or former partner or a family member.
• Twelve women who were victims of domestic abuse took their own lives, with another death likely to be determined as suicide once an inquest concludes.
• Of the 24 domestic abuse related death reviews commissioned in Cornwall since 2020, 22 involved a female victim.

“Real Change Starts When We All Get Involved”

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.”

How To Find Out More

Further information is available on the Safer Cornwall website at
www.safercornwall.co.uk
or by emailing Cornwall Council’s domestic abuse and sexual violence team at dasv@cornwall.gov.uk