THURROCK Council has announced its participation in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, running to Wednesday, 10 December.

The council launched the campaign by illuminating Lakeside Shopping Centre in orange, to show solidarity with the global campaign to end gender-based violence. Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Shinnick, led the event.

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, cabinet member for children's services, education and community safety and Cllr Cici Manwa, junior portfolio holder for equalities and diversity, domestic abuse and violence against women and girls were each in attendance as well as Cllr Lynda Heath, cabinet member for public protection and Cllr Lee Watson, deputy leader of the council.

The annual international campaign calls for action to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls and creates an opportunity for communities to come together to help raise awareness of violence against women and girls.

This year the Council has launched a Violence Against Women and Girls Survey to ask residents for their views on harmful behaviours such as domestic abuse, sexual harassment, stalking, female genital mutilation (FGM), honour-based violence, and child marriage. Responses to this new survey will help to strengthen the council's work on VAWG and make sure services are providing the support needed.

Cllr Hartstean said: "Violence in any form has no place in our community. The 16 Days of Activism campaign is an opportunity for us all to come together, raise awareness, support survivors, and strengthen prevention efforts. I encourage everyone to take part in our survey so we can get everyone's feedback and provide the right services locally.

"We remain committed to fostering a culture of respect, safety, and equality for all residents."

Cllr Manwa said: "I am proud to work alongside Cllr Hartstean on such an important issue and I am grateful that we have local support in raising awareness of gender-based violence in our community."