Events and training to tackle VAWG in Richmond

Find out what is happening in our borough to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).

White Ribbon events

As a White Ribbon accredited organisation, we are committed to encouraging allyship within the borough. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is on 25 November every year, and this marks the start of the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, so keep an eye out for our annual calendar of events and training.

White Ribbon Walks

We support the global campaign to encourage people, especially men and boys, to act and change the culture that leads to abuse. In Richmond upon Thames, we organise walks in our different wards to show solidarity with women and encourage residents to make a stand and call out abusive behaviour. Everyone is invited to join in the White Ribbon Walks.

Next White Ribbon Walk:

• Date: Saturday 7 December 2024
• Time: To be confirmed
• Location: Richmond/Twickenham

Richmond Safe Space

If you’re feeling vulnerable in Richmond town centre on your night out, visit the Safe Space for signposting, support or simply company while you wait to get home.

Find it:

• Days: Fridays and Saturdays
• Time: 9pm to 12 midnight
• Location: The green marquee outside Richmond train station

One Stop Shop

The One Stop Shop is the borough’s weekly drop-in service offering free, discrete support, advice and information concerning domestic abuse, stalking and sexual violence.

Drop-in details:

• When: Every Friday
• Time: 10am to 12 noon
• Location: Citizens Advice, 94-102 High Street, Hampton Hill, TW12 1NY

Walk and talks

Community Officers host ‘walks and talks’ with female residents to give local women the opportunity to discuss issues around women’s safety.

Officers can offer advice and support, while hearing from you on what needs to be done to help women feel safer. Walks are also promoted on local police Twitter accounts.

Next walk and talk TBA.

Become an active bystander

Have you ever witnessed an incident in the street, at work, or on public transport and wished you had known what to do without compromising your or anyone else’s safety?

As part of our commitment to tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), we are delivering regular sessions to support you to ‘Become an Active Bystander’ in your local community. These sessions are open to anyone working, living or studying in Richmond and Wandsworth.

Please note that sensitive topics such as domestic abuse, sexual harassment and violence will be covered during this session.

Sign up for a free bystander training session we are delivering online via Microsoft Teams:

• Monday 25 November 2024, 7 to 8.30pm

If your organisation or community group is interested in taking part in an online or in person active bystander session, please email Abi Jonas, VAWG Community Safety Officer for Richmond, at abi.jonas@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk, to discuss your needs.

If you have any other training needs related to VAWG, please reach out to discuss your requirements, as we may be able to assist. 

Stalls

If you want to learn more about what we are doing to end violence against women and girls and find out what you can do to help, you can speak to a council officer or volunteer in person.

• Whitton Social Centre for Multicultural Richmond’s A Taste of Africa, A Full of Life Fair Event - Thursday 24 October 2024, 10am to 1.30pm
• Twickenham Allianz Stadium for the England v Japan match - Sunday 24 November 2024, 2 to 4pm

VAWG Community Forum

In partnership with Wandsworth Council, organisations working to tackle VAWG are invited to a forum aimed at sharing ideas, collaborating, and ensuring there is a strong coordinated response across the system that supports women and girls at risk of abuse and violence.

The last VAWG Community Forum of 2024 will be held as a conference during the 16 Days of Activism focusing on ‘Hidden Abuse’.

Next forum: 

• Date: Thursday 5 December 2024
• Time: 9.30am to 2.30pm
• Location: Clarendon Hall, York House, Twickenham

Sign up to reserve your place. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

If you are an organisation and would like to join the VAWG Community Forum, please email Abi Jonas, VAWG Community Safety Officer, at abi.jonas@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk.