DEPUTY MAYOR SUPPORTS 16 DAYS OF ACTION TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
Published 8 December 2025 at 1:26pm
Kilvinder Vigurs, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, has reaffirmed her commitment to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) as part of the 16 Days of Action campaign.The campaign, launched in 1991 by activists at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute, is now backed by organisations worldwide, including the United Nations.
As part of SYMCA’s commitment to creating a safer South Yorkshire, Deputy Mayor, Kilvinder attended a series of events across South Yorkshire, to raise awareness and engage communities in tackling violence against women and girls.
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kilvinder said: “One in five homicides in the UK is linked to violence against women and girls. This is unacceptable and we all must take responsibility for changing negative values and behaviours in society.
“While we understand that there is violence against boys and men, and within same sex relationships, this 16 days of action is about putting a spotlight on violence perpetrated against females by males, in particular its causes and how we can reduce it.”
Last month, Kilvinder felt privileged to open a White Ribbon event at Barnsley’s Lightbox Library, marking the town’s commitment to White Ribbon Accreditation; a pledge to end male violence against women.
In her opening remarks, Kilvinder spoke about the societal shifts over the decades and important voices of those who have encouraged critical thinking in order to understand and challenge VAWG. Kilvinder noted the progress being made locally and nationally, and why allyship matters in creating lasting change.
In support of the 16 days of action, the Deputy Mayor was a guest speaker at Sheffield Town Hall, highlighting the importance of collaboration between local authorities, partners and communities to prevent violence and support survivors, reinforcing SYMCA’s commitment to a safer South Yorkshire.
Kilvinder also visited Sheffield Girls’ High School to meet sixth form students and younger pupils. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss difficult issues including the negative impact of social media and gender roles in society. Students engaged in conversations about prevention, support services, and the role young people can play in challenging harmful behaviours.
Kilvinder added: “Violence against women and girls is a key area of focus in the Police and Crime Plan. We are working with partners to tackle this issue and improve community safety. We must look to provide supportive measures to boys and girls, help victims and survivors, and provide intervention programmes to assist those perpetrators wanting to change.
“Boys and men need to be instrumental in the conversation to promote a positive and healthy version of masculinity. We have lot of examples of what good looks like.
“South Yorkshire’s Violence Reduction Unit, working with partners, is leading on initiatives such as trauma-informed training and night-time safety schemes. We commission vital services such as Sexual Assault Referral Centres, Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy and domestic abuse perpetrator programmes.
“The events I have attended are an opportunity to listen, learn and work together to raise awareness, promoting services and fostering allyship. We can build a South Yorkshire where everyone feels safe and respected. It must be a moral imperative.
“The recent Part 2 findings of the Angiolini Review underline the urgent need for systemic change and accountability and we are committed to playing our part locally. Alongside this, initiatives like the South Yorkshire Safer Streets Winter of Action demonstrate how we are working with partners to make our streets safer, ensuring that prevention and support remain at the heart of our approach.”
The latest news...
To find all of our press releases and news stories visit our dedicated news section