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. 

White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Activism 2024

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.

We organise torch parades and walks to show solidarity with women. These aim to encourage residents to make a stand and call out abusive behaviour.

Roehampton White Ribbon Torch Parade

• Date: Thursday 21 November 2024
• Time: Meet by 6pm
• Meeting point: Roehampton, at 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.

Walk to End VAWG, Clapham Junction

• Date: Friday 29 November 2024
• Time: Meet by 6:45pm
• Meeting point: Clapham Junction, outside the Grant Road exit of Clapham Junction Station

We will walk up St John’s Road and Northcote Road, and back down to pass by the Safe Space, returning to Clapham Junction station at approximately 7.45 to 8pm.

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.

• Date: Tuesday 3 December 2024
• Time: 8 to 10am
• Location: Putney Station

Run in partnership with the British Transport Police.

Free training and webinars

Various free training sessions and webinars for residents and professionals have been organised to increase awareness and share knowledge to help eliminate VAWG. 

Select a talk to find out more and book a place. 

If you are signing up for a professionals only webinar, please use your organisation’s email address. Personal emails will not be accepted.

Walk and talks

The Met Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams organise regular ‘walks and talks’ 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.

Upcoming walks will be listed on this page when they are arranged by the Met Police.

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:

• Wednesday 26 February 2025
• Wednesday 21 May 2025
• Wednesday 20 August 2025
• Tuesday 25 November 2025

All sessions will take place between 7 and 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, 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.

Find it:

• Days: Every Friday
• Time: 8 to 11pm
• Location: the white gazebo outside of the St John’s Hill exit of Clapham Junction Rail Station, outside Starbucks. See on a map

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

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.

The last VAWG Community Forum of 2024 will be held as a conference during the 16 Days of Activism, focusing on ‘hidden abuse’. 

• Date: Thursday 5 December 2024
• Time: 9.30am to 2.30pm
• Location: Clarendon Hall, York House, Twickenham

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 13 March 2025, in Wandsworth
• 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 Kira Evans, VAWG Community Safety Officer for Wandsworth, at kira.evans@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk.