Professionals from Walsall and across the wider West Midlands conurbation came together on Thursday 4 December 2025 for a networking and development workshop aimed at strengthening the local response to violence and abuse against women and girls.

The SaferWalsall Partnership, which is made up of Walsall Council, West Midlands Police, and other local partner agencies, hosted the session at Lichfield Street Hub Library. The event formed part of the annual 16 Days of Action campaign, raising awareness of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and reinforcing joint working as Walsall moves into the new year.

“ As we begin 2026, Walsall continues to stand in solidarity with women and girls who have suffered abuse and violence at the hands of a partner or close relative.

“This session held during the 16 Days of Action was not just about reflection but about strengthening our resolve and ensuring that protecting women and girls remains a priority throughout the year ahead.
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Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Enforcement & Safe Communities
Walsall Council

The workshop developed a wider understanding of the different ways women and girls can experience violence and abuse. Topics included modern slavery, criminal, sexual and labour exploitation, domestic servitude, domestic and sexual violence and abuse, honour-based abuse, arranged and forced marriages, and female genital mutilation (FGM).

Attendees also heard from individuals with lived experience, who thanked professionals in the room stating, “it is thanks to professionals like you and the jobs you do that I am able to stand here today and share my story in my own words.”

Global figures underline why this work remains vital. According to UN Women[1], in 2024, approximately 83,300 women and girls were intentionally killed worldwide. Of those, 60 per cent (50,000) were murdered by intimate partners or other close family members. This is a stark contrast to the 11 per cent of all male homicides that are perpetuated in the private sphere.

This means an average of 137 women and girls lost their lives every day at the hands of a partner or close relative in 2024.

As Walsall looks ahead to 2026, the SaferWalsall Partnership remains committed to prevention, early intervention, survivor support and partnership working to help end violence against women and girls in local communities.