16 Days of Activism candle-lit vigil to be held in Kettering

30 November 2022

North Northamptonshire Council’s Safer Communities team have joined up with partners to support 16 Days of Activism and will be holding a #jointhechorus vigil on Saturday 10 December from 6:30pm on the Market Place in Kettering.

The candle-lit vigil aims to bring the community together in supporting everyone’s right to live a life free from fear of abuse, as well as remembering both victims and survivors of violence. Anyone wishing to join the vigil is encouraged to bring their own candles, torches and placards.

Throughout the vigil, there will be speakers and a 1-minute silence to remember survivors and victims of domestic and sexual violence.

The event will be led by Dawn Thomas, CEO of Northamptonshire Rape Crisis, alongside Kettering Women’s Centre and supporting partners include VOICE Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Services and organisations from across the community.

Domestic abuse, and indeed any form of gender-based violence, has a devastating impact on individuals and their families, but also on the wider community. The event on 10 December will provide an opportunity for people to come together and take a united stand against all forms of violence in our society.Cllr Matt Binley, the council’s Executive Member for Housing, Communities and Levelling Up

I am pleased that as a council we are supporting 16 Days of Activism. But, sadly, domestic violence happens every day of the year and I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that there is support and guidance available for anyone who might need it.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

The following local organisations can also provide counselling, guidance and general support to anyone experiencing gender-based violence or domestic abuse:

• NDAS – Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service 
• Northamptonshire Voice 
• Northamptonshire Rape Crisis Helpline – 0300 222 5930
• Kettering Women’s Centre – 07715 312106

16 Days of Activism is an international campaign calling for the elimination of all form of gender-based violence and this year runs between 25 November and 10 December, with more than 6000 organisation in 187 countries taking part.

For more information, visit the 16 Days campaign website or the NNC Safer Communities social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.