Events and training to tackle VAWG in Richmond

Find out what is happening in our borough to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).

White Ribbon events

As a White Ribbon accredited organisation, we are committed to encouraging allyship within the borough.

Monday 25 November marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (also called White Ribbon Day), and the start of 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

The focus of 2024’s White Ribbon Day is #ITSTARTSWITHMEN and White Ribbon is “Encouraging men to hold themselves accountable to women and each other so we can effect positive behavioural change to transform harmful cultures. Gender equality is achievable if men and boys understand and assume their responsibility as allies.”

White Ribbon Walks

We support the global campaign to encourage people, especially men and boys, to act and change the culture that leads to abuse.

In Richmond upon Thames, we organise walks in our different wards to show solidarity with women and encourage residents to make a stand and call out abusive behaviour. Everyone is invited to join in the White Ribbon Walks. We will be rescheduling a joint walk with Kingston Council for 2025.

Next White Ribbon Walk:

• Date: Mid February / March
• Time: TBC. Approximately 1pm
• Meeting point: TBC. Fulwell / Hampton Hill - Walking along Hampton Hill High Street to Richmond and Hampton Football Club

Richmond Safe Space

If you’re feeling vulnerable in Richmond town centre on your night out, visit the Safe Space for signposting, support or simply company while you wait to get home.

Find it:

• Days: Fridays and Saturdays
• Time: 9pm to 12 midnight
• Location: The green marquee outside Richmond train station

Walk and talks

Police Community Officers host ‘walks and talks’ with female residents to give local women the opportunity to discuss issues around women’s safety.

Officers can offer advice and support, while hearing from you on what needs to be done to help women feel safer. Walks are also promoted on local police Twitter accounts.

The next walk and talk will take place in Heathfield Recreation Ground:

• When: Wednesday 22 January 2025
  
• Time: 3pm
  
• Location: Meeting at the playground entrance at Heathfield Recreation Ground

You can sign up to the walk and talk online or turn up on the day.

Become an active bystander

Have you ever witnessed an incident of sexual harassment in the street, at work, or on public transport and wished you had known how to intervene safely? Become an active bystander in your local community and play your part in preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

These sessions are being delivered to support members of the public to become more confident in safely intervening and becoming active bystanders.

Course dates

The next courses will take place over Microsoft Teams on:

• Tuesday 4 February 2025, 10 to 11.30am
• Wednesday 26 February 2025, 7 to 8.30pm
• Wednesday 21 May 2025, 7 to 8.30pm
• Wednesday 20 August 2025, 7 to 8.30pm
• Tuesday 25 November 2025, 7 to 8.30pm

Register for Active Bystander training

Sensitivity warning

The session will cover sensitive topics including domestic abuse, sexual harassment and violence, with a focus on VAWG. 

Training needs

If your organisation or community group is interested in taking part in an online or in person active bystander session, email Abi Jonas, VAWG Community Safety Officer for Richmond, at abi.jonas@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk, to discuss your needs.

If you have any other training needs related to VAWG, please reach out to discuss your requirements, as we may be able to assist. 

Stalls

If you want to learn more about what we are doing, members of the Community Safety team will be hosting public engagement stalls during 2025. We raise awareness of spiking, personal safety and local support services for domestic abuse and sexual violence. Information leaflets for local support services and free personal safety resources will be available. 

VAWG Community Forum

In partnership with Wandsworth Council, organisations working to tackle VAWG are invited to a forum aimed at sharing ideas, collaborating, and ensuring there is a strong coordinated response across the system that supports women and girls at risk of abuse and violence.

Next forum: 

• Date: Thursday 13 March 2025
• Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Location: Wandsworth

Sign up to reserve your place. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Future dates

Save the dates of upcoming VAWG Community Forums throughout 2025:

• Thursday 12 June 2025, in Richmond
• Thursday 11 September 2025, in Wandsworth
• Thursday 4 December 2025, in Richmond

All events will take place from 9.30am to 1pm.

How to join

If your organisation would like to join the VAWG Community Forum, please email Abi Jonas, VAWG Community Safety Officer, at abi.jonas@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk.

One Stop Shop

The One Stop Shop is the borough’s weekly drop-in service offering free, discrete support, advice and information concerning domestic abuse, stalking and sexual violence.

Drop-in details:

• When: Every Friday
• Time: 10am to 12 noon
• Location: Citizens Advice, 94-102 High Street, Hampton Hill, TW12 1NY