Bedford Borough Council is calling on the community to join a powerful event, #TooManyNames, to remember the women who have tragically lost their lives to male violence in the UK this year. This event kicks off the 16 Days of Action against Gender-based Violence (GBV), a global campaign running from Monday 25 November to Tuesday 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Councillor Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children’s Services, stated, “Violence against women and girls is a devastating issue that touches far too many lives. The #TooManyNames event serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of GBV and the urgent need for collective action.
“We encourage everyone to attend this event and stand in solidarity with survivors, their families, and all those impacted by GBV.”
This free, community event will be held simultaneously across three Bedfordshire locations:
- Harpur Centre, Bedford Town Centre (indoors)
- The Mall, Luton (indoors)
- Grove House Gardens, Dunstable Town Centre (outside by the bandstand)
All are welcome to join on Friday 29 November, from 10.30am to 11am. The events will include a moment of silence to honour the victims and conclude with information about local and national support services for those affected by GBV.
GBV, including domestic abuse, isn’t just a women’s issue. It impacts everyone – friends, family members, colleagues. Statistics show that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime.
The 16 Days of Action Campaign
Throughout the 16-day campaign, Bedford Borough Council and its partners aim to:
- Raise awareness about all forms of GBV.
- Empower victims to seek help and support.
- Encourage bystanders to intervene and challenge harmful behaviours.
We encourage everyone to follow the campaign on social media by finding @bedsdomesticabuse on Instagram and searching for Bedford Domestic Abuse Partnership on Facebook. You can also find out more about support services and other events happening near you by visiting the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership website: www.bedsdv.org.uk
Together, we can create a safer community for all. Let’s stand together and say enough is enough to GBV.
