As part of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, Leader of the Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, joined Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care & Well-being, Cllr Lucia das Neves to show support for the crucial work we are doing in the borough.
Over 100 people, including the council’s commissioned services, police, councillors, staff, and residents also joined this special Walk for Women on Monday 25 November.
The walk started at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the Club represented by the former captains of both its men’s and women’s teams – Ledley King and Jenna Schillaci, with speeches and informative discussions along the way.
Cllr Lucia das Neves said:
“We’re ensuring that we’re doing everything in our power to tackle gender-based violence in Haringey.
“This community-coordinated response means joining up with local businesses, police, partners, and healthcare systems to ensure survivors get help, and that perpetrators are held to account.”
A local resident, who was struggling with domestic abuse, financial issues, and poor mental health reached out to local centre Hearthstone for help.
She told us:
“I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am so glad I contacted Hearthstone. Everyone has been very helpful in helping me with my situation.”
A number of key speakers from different stakeholders in the borough were involved in the walk and included:
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: The congregation heard from Leader of the Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, and Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care & Well-being, Cllr Lucia das Neves, and Ledley King and Jenna Schillaci to kickstart the walk.
- High Road Green Space: RISE mutual, a support group that offers programmes for offenders, victim-survivors, and professionals in the criminal justice system and community. Jewish Women's Aid, the UK's only specialist organisation dedicated to supporting Jewish women and children affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.
- Scotland Green: The council’s VAWG Team spoke about the VAWG-focused Euros beermats campaign, and London Black Women’s Project who provide essential services and safe spaces for Black, Asian and minoritised women and girls who have experienced domestic or sexual violence, and abuse.
- Hartington Park: North London Rape Crisis – provided by Solace Women’s Aid, provide immediate care and support for women affected by sexual violence. The Grove – a local service that provides specialist support with regards to alcohol and drug use, people who want to stop or reduce their use, and specialist language and women’s groups. Haringey Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) provides multidisciplinary assessment and treatment of children and young people with mental health or severe emotional and behavioural difficulties.
- The Trampery: Sister System help care-affected girls (13-24 yrs) to bridge the gap between them and mainstream society. Local Haringey Police provided information about what they’re doing locally in the community to make streets and public spaces safer for women and girls.
The council is hosting and supporting a wide-range of local and online training initiatives, to ensure that staff who may meet victim-survivors has appropriate knowledge and can support them and their specific needs.
The council will also light George Meehan House purple to mark the 16 Days of Activism.
If you or someone you know is affected by gender-based violence, help is available here.
