Events to tackle VAWG in Wandsworth

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

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

16 Days of Activism 2025

Tuesday 25 November is the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, followed by the 16 Days of Activism. 25 November is also referred to as White Ribbon Day. We mark this period of activism by holding events and online workshops for professionals and local residents. White Ribbon’s theme this year, ‘WE SPEAK UP’, calls on men to challenge sexist jokes, catcalling, staring and comments that may seem harmless but can lead to violence and abuse.

These figures highlight why raising awareness and taking action is so important:

• Over 1 in 4 women will be a victim of sexual assault or attempted assault in their lifetimes. (National Audit Office, 2025)
• 3 in 5 women have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse in the workplace. 3 in 5 have experienced 3 or more incidents of bullying at work. (Trade Unions Congress, 2023)
• 39% of secondary school teachers said they are aware of at least one incident of misogynistic behaviour from a pupil in the last week. (BBC, 2025)

SW15 Roehampton White Ribbon Torch Parade

As a White Ribbon accredited organisation, we support the global campaign to encourage people, especially men and boys, to act and change the culture that leads to abuse. In Wandsworth, we organise torch parades and walks to show solidarity with women.

The walks and torch parades aim to encourage residents to make a stand and call out abusive behaviour.

• Date: Tuesday 25 November 2025
• Time: Please arrive for a 6pm start
• Meeting point: The junction of Danebury Avenue and Roehampton Lane

Come with a torch, lantern or mobile phone. This walk is organised by the SW15 Women’s Network, supported by us.

Free training, webinars and forums

Various free training sessions and webinars for residents, professionals, community organisations and the voluntary sector have been organised to increase awareness and share knowledge to help eliminate VAWG. 

These sessions are focused on VAWG and may include content that attendees find distressing. Support services are available. Sensitivity warnings will also be given in each session, outlining the nature of the content that will be covered.

If you are signing up for a professional’s only webinar, please use your organisation’s email address. Personal emails, like Gmail, Outlook and Hotmail, will not be accepted.

Click on a session name to register your place.

White Ribbon stands

Members of the Community Safety team will be hosting public engagement stalls to raise awareness about Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and White Ribbon. Information leaflets for local support services and free personal safety resources will be available.

• Tuesday 25 November, 9am to 5pm: St George’s Hospital, Blackshaw Rd, London, SW17 0QT
• Tuesday 2 December, 12 to 2pm: Southside Shopping Centre, Wandsworth High St, London, SW18 4TF
• Saturday 6 December, 9 to 10am: Battersea Park Parkrun, Battersea Park, Central Avenue, Carriage Drive West, London, SW11 4NJ
• Wednesday 10 December, 4 to 6.30pm: inside Clapham Junction Station Concourse, upstairs towards the Brighton Yard exit

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).

Online sessions

We are running online sessions over Microsoft Teams, to help members of the public become more confident in safely intervening and becoming active bystanders.

Please register for your chosen session in advance.

• Active bystander session - Monday 1 December 2025, 2 to 3.30pm
• Active bystander session - Tuesday 2 December 2025, 7 to 8.30pm

e-module

Alternatively, you can access our online ‘Become an Active Bystander’ e-module, which can be completed on a day and time to suit your own needs. The module can be completed independently or in a small group and takes approximately one hour to complete. 

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, please email Kira Evans, VAWG Community Safety Officer for Wandsworth, at kira.evans@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. 

Safe Space Wandsworth

If you’re feeling vulnerable around the Clapham Junction area on your night out, visit Safe Space Wandsworth for signposting, support or simply company while you wait to get home.

The Safe Space will run once a month outside Clapham Junction station on a Friday night, between 8 and 11pm. Please check back for upcoming dates.

If you are feeling unsafe or need assistance when you are out in Wandsworth, you can also drop into one of local businesses signed up to the Safe Haven scheme. These provide a place of safety, where you can receive practical help and information about support services. Find out more about our Safe Havens including a full list of registered businesses.

Engagement stalls

If you want to learn more about what we are doing, members of the Community Safety team host regular public engagement stalls throughout the year. We raise awareness about:

• Drink spiking
• Personal safety
• Local support services for domestic abuse and sexual violence

Information leaflets for local support services and free personal safety resources including personal alarms and drink spiking prevention materials will be available.

You can also visit our Safe Space to pick up some free personal safety resources (subject to availability).

Check back to see details of upcoming public engagement stalls.

VAWG Community Forum

In partnership with Richmond 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.

Future dates

Save the dates of upcoming VAWG Community Forums throughout 2025:

• Thursday 11 December 2025, in Richmond

All events will take place from 9.45am to 1pm.

How to join

If your organisation would like to join the VAWG Community forum, please email Kira Evans, VAWG Community Safety Officer for Wandsworth, at kira.evans@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk.

Women's Walk, Talk and Do

The Met Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams organise regular Walk, Talk and Do events with female residents to give local women the opportunity to discuss issues around women’s safety. This initiative is supported by our Community Safety Team. 

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

Please check back for details of upcoming Police Walk, Talk and Do events, or check the Met Police website for other upcoming events in your local area

Putney Street Angels

Putney Street Angels is a volunteer-led initiative. It launched in April 2024 to enhance night time safety in Putney, coordinated by Positively Putney in partnership with ROC Angels.

The scheme operates on Friday nights between 10pm and 3am and provides support to residents and visitors. Trained volunteers patrol the local area and offer assistance such as first aid, listening support, and guidance, with a focus on ensuring a safer environment, particularly for women.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to tackle VAWG and promote community safety in Wandsworth. Visit Positively Putney’s website for more information.

One Stop Shops

The One Stop Shops in Wandsworth are the borough’s weekly drop-in service offering free, discrete support, advice and information concerning domestic abuse, stalking and sexual violence. No appointment is necessary.

Find your nearest One Stop Shop:

Battersea One Stop Shop:

• When: Every Monday (excluding bank holidays)
• Time: 10am to 12 noon
• Location: St. Mark’s, Battersea Rise, SW11 1EJ (entrance on Boutflower Road) - see map for Battersea One Stop Shop

Roehampton One Stop Shop:

• When: Every Wednesday
• Time: 10am to 12.30pm
• Location: 166 Roehampton Lane, Roehampton, SW15 4HR - see map for Roehampton One Stop Shop

You can find details of other confidential, free support services.

Support

If you or someone you know has experienced abuse or violence, confidential, free support services are available.