Havering Council is once again putting its support behind this year’s White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Action campaign towards the prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
The theme of this year’s campaign (which runs from 25 November to 10 Dececmber 2025) is Men Challenging Men, together with White Ribbon Day’s call to “Speak Up for Change”.
Awareness is being raised to help re-enforce the vital role of male allyship in ending gender-based violence.
It encourages men to stand beside women, call out harmful behaviours, and promote respect to help lead towards safer communities.
Earlier today (Tuesday 25 November 2025), the Council was joined by the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, plus various partners, including YouThrive, Youth Unity and more, from communities across the borough, at a conference.
The conference featured mainly male speakers on VAWG related topics to help show the importance of male allyship to tackle the issues.
There were presentations from groups and individuals who support women and girls in Havering.
Alongside were the police who spoke about building trust and confidence within the community as well as from those who have suffered directly at the hands of violence and abuse.
Statistics include:
- 70 percent of women in the UK have experienced sexual harassment in public.
- 3 in 5 women have faced harassment, bullying, or abuse in the workplace.
- Nearly a quarter of girls in mixed-sex schools have experienced unwanted sexual touching.
- 1.4 million women experienced domestic abuse in the past year alone.
The conference was followed by the raising of the White Ribbon Flag outside the Town Hall, by the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Sue Ospreay.
Those attending, then marched together through Romford Town Centre to show solidarity to women and girls affected by abuse.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council said:
“Today, for White Ribbon Day and the start of the 16 Days of Action against Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) 2025, we have once again come together as a community in Havering, to lead on action and to raise awareness.
“Sadly, we know many women and girls suffer from domestic violence and misogyny.
"It’s sometimes difficult for them to come forward and ask for help.
“We want our borough to be a safe place for women and girls, both in our town centres and also at home, at work and in school.
"We want them to seek the help they need and feel safe in doing so.
“Our teams continue to provide support and advice along with the many partners we work with.
"We encourage anyone who has concerns or is suffering abuse, to come forward and get the support they need.
“For this year’s campaign, we are also looking for the men in our communities to stand up, challenge the behaviour of others and speak up against VAWG.
“We all have a part to play in helping to make Havering a safe borough for women and girls and helping towards changing harmful behaviour for good.”
Throughout the year, the Council’s community safety teams support women and girls who experience or are at threat of violence, domestic abuse and controlling or coercive behaviour.
They offer training to professionals to equip them with knowledge to help change perspectives, reduce fear and empower those affected to flee from an abusive environment to safety.
The Council’s community safety teams and police will also be in the following locations giving advice and support:
- Thursday 27 November 2025, Hornchurch Library, 3pm to 4pm
- Monday 1 December 2025, Rainham Tesco, from 2pm
- Wednesday 3 December 2025, outside Superdrug, High Street, Hornchurch, 1pm to 2pm
- Thursday 4 December 2025, Farnham Road, Harold Hill, 2.30pm to 4.30pm
- Saturday 6 December 2025, Romford Town Centre, from 7pm