Healthcare staff in Walsall have joined a national pledge to end violence against women and girls during a fortnight of action.

A marketplace event took place in the atrium of Walsall Manor Hospital today (November 25) to mark White Ribbon Day.

White Ribbon Day, observed annually on November 25, is a global campaign to end violence against women and girls.

It is hoped the awareness day will act as a catalyst, sparking 16 Days of Action until Wednesday, 10 December 2025.

This year’s campaign shines a spotlight on digital abuse, identified as one of the fastest-growing forms of gender-based violence.

Rachel Dale, Lead Nurse Safeguarding Adults at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We organised this event to bring together the different agencies which support women and girls to provide a one-stop place for people to get all the information and support they need on such an important issue.

“Sadly, in Walsall domestic abuse is a real issue that people are experiencing daily.

“We wanted to hold the event to give advice and information for people to be able to speak out and feel safe to do so.

“We’ve had lots of different stall holders and a tree here for staff, patients, and visitors to pledge how they will support victims and survivors.

“It has been a fantastic event – really busy. I hope we have raised awareness of all the support on offer.”

Becky Chell and Sam Brown, Community Contraception and Sexual Health Nurses at WiSH, (Walsall’s Integrated Sexual Health Service), attended the event.

Becky said: “We wanted to attend today to raise awareness that abuse that starts online often transcends into offline violent behaviour in real life.

“These behaviours can include coercion, physical abuse, sexual harassment and exploitation.

“The more people who look out for this and stop it happening the better.

“It has been a great event to be part of today. We have spoken to a lot of staff, visitors and patients and it has been really engaging.”

For further information on White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action visit: unwomen.org/en/get-involved/16-days-of-activism and whiteribbon.org.uk