TWO events will be held in the coming week to highlight a campaign encouraging people not to remain silent or defend men's violence against women.

They come in the wake of yesterday's (Friday, 25 November) White Ribbon Day.

Yesterday borough mayor Cllr James Halden and Cllr Qaisar Abbas, cabinet member for culture and communities, raised the White Ribbon Day flag at the Civic Offices in Grays, showing the council's commitment to never use, excuse or remain silent about men's violence against women.

White Ribbon Day signified the start of 16 Days of Action, helping to raise awareness of gender-based violence and better engagement with men and boys to help end violence against women. We will be sharing information and signposting to support services over the next 16 days.

This year the campaign uses the backdrop of the World Cup to help raise awareness about the challenges — and dangers — women and girls face in traditionally male-dominated contexts like the football ground, but also public transportation.

On Wednesday, 30 November the council will be holding two public events in Grays, where you can come along to talk to the Thurrock Community Safety Partnership and many other services about the support available to survivors of Violence Against Women and Girls, and for general safety advice.

The first will be outside South Essex College, RM17 6TF, Grays, between 2pm and 4pm. and the second is at Grays Train Station, RM17 6NQ, between 5pm and 8.30pm

You can find out more about the campaign on the White Ribbon website at: whiteribbon.org.uk/whiteribbonday22

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, support is available. You can find out how to report domestic abuse or how to receive support at Thurrock Council's dedicated webpage.