To mark White Ribbon Day, specially trained staff known as White Ribbon Champions and the Council’s Domestic Abuse team visited colleagues across Hounslow House.
Hounslow Council has marked this year’s 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, an international campaign which ran from 25 November to 10 December, beginning on White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.
2025’s theme of ‘unity’ was reflected across a programme of community engagement, educational activities, survivor storytelling and awareness-raising initiatives delivered with partners across the borough.
Council staff, schools, NHS partners, community organisations and residents joined together to shine a light on all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG), reaffirming Hounslow’s commitment to prevention, early intervention and support for survivors.
To mark White Ribbon Day, specially trained staff known as White Ribbon Champions and the Council’s Domestic Abuse team visited colleagues across Hounslow House to raise awareness and distribute White Ribbon badges.
A special White Ribbon Champion video was released on the Council’s social media channels, while at that evening’s Full Council meeting, councillors wore white ribbon badges as a sign of cross-party support for the elimination of gender-based abuse.
Across the 16 days, the Council shared a series of powerful videos featuring survivors, helping to break the silence around abuse and empower others to seek help. Additional infographics were also shared online to highlight the different forms of gender-based violence, including coercive control, stalking, financial abuse, sexual harassment and online/digital abuse.
Engagement with local schools, including events with Westbrook Primary School and Orchard School, created space for age-appropriate conversations about respectful relationships and safety, and offered parents the chance to learn about avenues for free, confidential support, while a table-top event at West Middlesex University Hospital provided resources for staff and visitors.
Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Residents Support, Communities and Equalities at Hounslow Council, said:
Ending violence against women and girls requires unity, courage and collective responsibility. Over the past 16 days, it’s been truly inspiring to see how Hounslow has come together - survivors, staff, schools, partners and residents - to send a clear message that abuse will never be tolerated in our communities.
Our commitment to build a borough where women and girls are safe, equal and respected goes beyond the activities of the last 16 days. We will continue to advocate tirelessly to challenge harmful behaviours and offer tailor-made support to anyone at risk.
The Council will continue to work with partners across health, education, policing, community organisations and the voluntary sector to support survivors and strengthen prevention efforts throughout the year.
Residents affected by domestic abuse or concerned about someone else can access free, confidential support via Hounslow’s One Stop Shop, held at Holy Trinity Church every Wednesday from 10am –12pm or by calling 07810 031 780. In an emergency, always dial 999.
