The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – also White Ribbon Day – is marked every year on the 25th November.

The day encourages men to consider their role in the violence women may face, from actively causing harm to being a bystander. Ultimately, we can all do more to support women who face violence.

Violence and Women’s Homelessness

It may come as a surprise to some but ending gendered violence, and supporting those who have experienced it, is core to our work.

Unfortunately, at least 33% of all women who become homeless do so after experiencing domestic abuse.

This exposure to violence often continues on the streets and can be physical, sexual, emotional or financial: almost all women experiencing rough sleeping will have experienced some form of gendered violence, and often repeatedly. We often see this lead to a fear of support services, such as ours, due to the disproportionate representation of men present there, who perpetrate 92% of gendered violence.

All of this can create an unending cycle where women are abused, feel threatened by potential violence and avoid support – leading to them being more vulnerable to violence.

Learn more about women’s homelessness here.

White Ribbon Day – what can we do?

Few people would deny violence against women is a serious issue, but sharing information like the above will do little to make a difference if not acted on.

Two things seem clear: we need to make women feel safer in our spaces and get men to understand how they can help.

This is something we’re already working towards with our Women’s Development Unit. This partnership aims to ensure the best possible outcomes for women experiencing homelessness. As part of this, we co-delivered the first ever women’s census, aiming to capture data about the extent of women’s rough sleeping and allow for more suitable support, tailored to their specific needs and experiences.

We also run a women only morning each week, allowing women to come to a safe space for a chat, coffee or to discuss anything they need.

We encourage everyone to use White Ribbon Day to promise, today and every day, to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.

Will you make the White Ribbon Promise? Share it with others here.