Celebrating Partnership Working in Gloucestershire: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Gloucestershire has once again demonstrated the power of collaboration during this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

There’s been a wide range of impactful activities delivered across the county. These events have been made possible through strong partnership working, convened, supported and led by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

The OPCC brought together local organisations, specialist services, and community groups to raise awareness and provide support to people experiencing gender-based violence and intimidation.

The OPCC’s convening role has been central to ensuring that voices from across Gloucestershire are heard, including those from minority communities. By coordinating efforts and fostering collaboration, the OPCC has helped create safe, accessible spaces for victims and survivors, while promoting education and engagement throughout the county.

Highlights from this year’s programme of activities include:

• A Wellbeing Walk in Kingsholm: Organised by The Friendship Café, with mindfulness activities to build trust and connections.
• Responding with Care: The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) organised a higher education-focused event exploring sexual assault and survivor pathways, supported by local specialist services.
• Film Screening of ‘Provoked’ at Gloucester Guildhall: Raising awareness of honour-based abuse, with specialist services on hand for support
• She Spoke Poetry Workshop: Providing a creative outlet for survivors of male violence against women and girls.
• Bystander Training: Delivered in partnership with Kindling, introducing practical ways to challenge harmful behaviours.
• Wellbeing Day at the Asha Centre: Combining domestic abuse awareness with yoga, mindfulness, and healthy relationship workshops.
• Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy: The Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board’s plan for the next three years to tackle domestic abuse, improving the partnership response and ensuring victims can access the right support at the right time.

In addition, local councils and services have been encouraged to integrate conversations into existing community spaces, such as book clubs and coffee mornings, ensuring the message reaches as many people as possible.

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said:

“The success of this year’s 16 Days of Activism is a testament to the strength of partnership working in Gloucestershire. By bringing together organisations, community leaders, and specialist services, we’ve created opportunities for learning, support, and empowerment.

“I am proud to say that this convening power and practical partnership working is one of the strengths of my Office.

“Our shared commitment to tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence is certainly stronger than ever.”