Welwyn Hatfield Walk and Talk event to mark campaign against gender violence

Women and girls in Welwyn Hatfield are reminded of the next Walk and Talk event which takes place this week to coincide with a global campaign against gender-based violence.

The events, which have been running in Welwyn Hatfield since July, are part of the constabulary’s ongoing work to tackle VAWG (violence against women and girls).

VAWG is any act of violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, mental harm to women and girls.  It includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse as well as financial, coercive and controlling behaviour and stalking and harassment.

Led by female PCs and PCSOs, each event starts with a 20-30 minute walk followed by an opportunity to stay for a chat or to continue exercising in a safe environment.

This month’s event takes place on Thursday 27 November at 7pm at King George Playing Field in Welwyn Garden City.

It coincides with the global ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ and comes two days after White Ribbon Day (Tuesday 25 November) - an annual campaign to end violence against women and girls.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council are supporting the Walk and Talk event and will be in attendance, offering white ribbons for participants to wear. 

The domestic abuse charity Safer Places will also be attending for women and girls to get confidential support.

PCSO Stacey Robinson, from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our Walk and Talk events are really popular with women and girls looking to socialise and exercise in a safe space. 

“Thursday’s event will be particularly special as it will raise awareness of the charity White Ribbon which does fantastic work to combat violence against woman and girls.

“Now that that the weather is turning, we will walk on the surrounding roads around the park to avoid the mud. We will loop back into the park and then head into the Better centre (located inside the car park) for tea, coffee, biscuits and a chat! If you’ve not yet been to one of our events, now is a great time to come along and see what they’re all about. You will supporting an important cause and will be made very welcome.”

For more information about tackling violence against women and girls in Hertfordshire, or where to get help and support go to herts.police.uk/vawg 

If you are in immediate danger but are afraid to speak, call us on 999 then press 5 and 5 to alert us from a mobile. There is no need to speak, but police will be able to respond. Or if the matter is less urgent use our webchat service found at herts.police.uk 

Safer Places has been supporting adult and child survivors of domestic abuse across Essex and Hertfordshire for over 45 years. Find out more at saferplaces.co.uk