A  MAJOR initiative to prevent violence against women and young girls is being launched in Waltham Forest.

This month, the borough will take part in 16 days of Activism – a global campaign to end violence against females.

The events aim to support victims and educate people on different forms of abuse such as domestic violence (DV), hate crime, sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage and honour-based violence.

Women’s charity IMECE and Ashiana Network, which supports DV victims, will be hosting coffee mornings across Waltham Forest.

Between December  2 and 8 police will be running information stalls to offer advice and support to anyone experiencing or worried about violence.

On Saturday 28 November, Leyton Orient FC players will help raise awareness about the initiative by wearing t-shirts in support of the anti-violence White Ribbon campaign during the warm-up to their home game against AFC Wimbledon.

And, young people will have an opportunity to speak out against FGM at a special awareness-raising event at Kelmscott School on Friday 4 December.

Cllr Liaquat Ali MBE JP, cabinet member for community safety and cohesion, said: “Our message is simple, VAWG cannot be condoned. We want to reach as many people as possible with the ‘16 Days’ initiative, and encourage them to stand with us against all forms of violence and abuse.”

Visit www.walthamforest.gov.uk/domestic-violence to find out more.

You can phone the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247.