The time between the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on the 25th November and Human Rights Day on the 10th December it is now recognised internationally as the 16 Days of Action to End Violence Against Women. The anti-domestic violence charity Refuge has decided to use this period to ask the public to take action during these 16 days and raise funds for the specialist domestic violence services they run that keep women and children safe with a new campaign called 16 Days of Action.
Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of Refuge says: “Sixteen days can be a life-threatening period of time for women and children experiencing domestic violence; the risk an abused woman faces is dynamic and can change quickly. But sixteen days can also be an opportunity for people to make a real difference. During this year’s 16 Days of Action we are urging members of the public to take on a fundraising challenge and raise funds for our services for women and children. On any given day Refuge supports 3,000 women and children to escape domestic violence and rebuild their lives, free from fear. But we cannot do this vital work without public support. Please support our 16 Days campaign and help us continue to provide life-saving and life-changing support to women and children across the country.”
You can get involved and raise money for Refuge by taking one of three pledges. You can raise the money for these pledges any way you wish – so get thinking! Sponsored marathons or silences, coffee mornings and cake sales, there are plenty of ways to raise money for this great cause.
You can take the Bronze pledge to raise £16, which could pay for an outreach worker to meet a woman still living with her abuser and support her in making a safe escape.
The Silver Pledge is a promise to raise £160. This money could help a Refuge advocate to secure an injuction for a woman at risk of serious harm.
Or you could aim high, get sponsored to take on a challenge and make the Gold pledge to raise £1,600. This money could pay for eight women and their children to access a safe place in one of the charity's refuges. Refuge has places reserved in a variety of events in 2014 which you can check for on the site if you're looking for a place on a marathon or other event in which available spots are in high demand.
Refuge has come up with plenty of other ideas to help you reach your pledge targets, you can visit the site and read more about the challenges HERE!
Pictured: Sponsored Fun Run?
