Standing Together to End Violence Against Women and Girls

Candlelight Vigil: Standing Together to End Violence Against Women and Girls

On the 25 November, our community came together for a candlelight vigil — a moment of quiet unity, reflection, and determination. Organised with the support of the Rumboldswhyke & Wildings WI, the vigil brought many together in a shared space to honour those affected by violence and to reaffirm our collective commitment to ending harm.

We gathered to remember the women whose lives have been stolen, to acknowledge the families carrying grief, and to stand with survivors who continue to rebuild their lives in the shadow of trauma. Their strength, courage, and resilience were at the heart of the evening.

Everyone Deserves to Feel Safe

Safety is something every person should be able to rely on — in their homes, workplaces, schools, and public spaces. Yet for many women, especially those who have experienced abuse, that sense of safety can feel fragile.

Domestic abuse remains at crisis levels in the UK. It is now officially recognised as a national threat. The Government has pledged to halve violence against women and girls in the coming decade, but the scale of the issue is undeniable:

• Over 1.5 million domestic abuse–related crimes were recorded across England and Wales last year.

• One in four women over 16 will experience abuse in their lifetime.

• Nearly two women each week are killed by a current or former partner.

Violence against women and girls is not an abstract problem. It affects our communities directly. It is rooted in inequality, harmful attitudes, and behaviours that must be challenged — by all of us.

A Community Responsibility

Preventing violence is not the responsibility of specialists alone. It relies on everyday choices — what we challenge, what we tolerate, what we support.

Communities can help reduce abuse by modelling respect, encouraging healthy relationships, and refusing to accept harmful behaviour as “normal”. When neighbours, colleagues, friends, teachers, families, and local organisations act collectively, real change becomes possible.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is the umbrella term for the types of abuse that disproportionately affect women — including domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, coercive control, and image-based abuse. While both men and women can experience harm, the impact on women is more severe, repeated, and often life-threatening.

The effects of abuse do not end when someone escapes the situation. Trauma often lingers, keeping the body on alert long after the danger has passed. Understanding this is essential in building communities that support recovery rather than question it.

My Sisters’ House Women’s Centre: Standing Beside Women

My Sisters’ House is proud to support women across our local area who are experiencing or recovering from abuse. Our work includes emotional support, practical guidance, advocacy, safety planning, and providing a safe space where women are heard and believed.

The most common forms of abuse we see include emotional and psychological harm, coercive control, post-separation abuse — often the most dangerous stage — and physical or sexual violence.

One woman recently told us:

“It’s always really helpful to hear other stories of what people have been through.
The abuser spends so much time telling you that you’re a drama queen or downplaying their behaviour, so you become conditioned to believe their truth — even when you finally have distance and clarity.”

Her words echo the experiences of many who come through our doors — women who have spent years doubting themselves because someone else has rewritten their reality. Moments of connection, solidarity, and shared understanding are often key steps towards healing.

This is why our Breaking the Silence events exist: to provide space for education, open conversation, and deeper understanding of the realities of abuse. If you want to learn more, please visit our website Donate Now — My Sisters' House Women's Centre.

White Ribbon Day 2025: Calling on Everyone — Especially Men

This year, for #WhiteRibbonDay2025, we are asking everyone — and particularly men — to play an active role in ending violence.

Ending abuse is not just a women’s issue.

It is a community issue. It is a men’s issue. It is everyone’s issue.

We are encouraging people to:

• speak up,

• challenge disrespect,

• call out inappropriate behaviour,

• start difficult conversations,

• and be visible allies for women and girls.

A Commitment to Action

The vigil closed with a moment of silence — a quiet acknowledgment of the women we have lost and a commitment to the women who still need our support.

But silence alone is not enough.

We must listen to women and believe them.
We must challenge harmful attitudes.
We must share information about support.
We must stand up for equality in everyday moments — even when it feels uncomfortable.

Every action, big or small, contributes to a safer community.

At My Sisters’ House, we remain committed to working with our partners, supporters, and neighbours to create a world where women are safe, respected, and able to thrive.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the vigil.

Thank you for your solidarity, your compassion, and your determination to create change.