16 Days Of Action: How The Field Army Is Raising Awareness Of Domestic Violence

A group from the Field Army have launched a campaign to raise awareness about domestic abuse and domestic violence.

The 16 Days Of Action campaign is running alongside the United Nations’ campaign calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

Colonel Tim Symonds, a Divisional Deputy Chief of Staff in the Field Army, and Major Gemma Fowler-Robinson, SO2 Personnel, are leading the campaign. They spoke to BFBS Radio broadcaster Jade Callaway about the campaign. Tim said:

“The important thing for us is creating an environment where people feel they can (talk)… If we can talk about it, we can illuminate it.”

Picture: Colonel Tim Symonds with his dog on the second day of the challenge

Since the beginning of the first COVID-19 lockdown in March this year, domestic abuse support charities worldwide have reported a significant increase in calls and online requests.

Across the 16 Days Of Action, which started on November 25, there will be a series of virtual events to raise awareness of support. These will include talks from Army Welfare Services and Wiltshire Police Public Protection Department. All of the talks can be found on Defence Connect.

VIDEO: BFBS Cyprus presenter Akylah talks about the myths around domestic abuse with British Forces Social Work Service

The team are also taking on fundraising activities to raise money for a local charity, Salisbury Women's Refuge, using 16 as the theme.

Tim and Gemma are walking 16,000 steps every day for the 16 days. The challenge can be followed on social media by searching #16For16Days and donations can be made here.

VIDEO: BFBS Cyprus presenter Akylah talks about spotting the signs of domestic abuse with British Forces Social Work Service

What Is The United Nations' Campaign?

The UNiTE 2020 theme is "Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect." In 2020, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, reports of domestic violence have increased. In the UN Secretary-General's report he stated:

“Accompanying the crisis has been a spike in domestic violence reporting, at exactly the time that services, including rule of law, health and shelters, are being diverted to address the pandemic.”

The campaign is calling for global actions to increase awareness and share knowledge to provide support. This involves 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. 

The campaign was launched on the International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women and runs until December 10 which is Human Rights Day. Anyone can get involved and support, or even take part in, the 16 days.

VIDEO: BFBS Cyprus presenter Akylah talks about children and domestic abuse with British Forces Social Work Service

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If you need help:

• Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247
• If you are in an emergency call 999
• Silent Solution - Dial 999 from a mobile phone and then press 55
• If you can be seen (ie on a video call) – use the hand signal for help – if you see someone do this, then check in with them in a safe way.

VIDEO: BFBS Cyprus presenter Akylah talks about the healing process with British Forces Social Work Service