Earlier this month Women’s Aid celebrated 50 years of supporting survivors and pioneering change at a special celebration event.
This event, which brought together famous faces, political figures, supports, and survivors, presented an opportunity to reflect on the incredible achievements of the organisation over the last 50 years, whilst also looking forward at what still need to be done to create a future where women and children can live from abuse.
This year marks 50 years since the Women’s Aid federation in England was first founded, making this their golden anniversary. While there has been a lot of positive change since 1974, including the introduction of the landmark Domestic Abuse Act in 2021 and the criminalisation of coercive and controlling behaviours in 2015, the reality for countless woman today is still far from golden.
Jess Phillip, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women & Girls, said:
“It was an honour to be part of Women’s Aid’s golden anniversary and reflect on 50 pioneering years of crucial protection for women and girls against dangerous, vile perpetrators.
But this hard work cannot end here. I believe passionately that change is needed and that until it is achieved, we cannot rest. Violence against women and girls is very much a national emergency. I will do everything in my power to halve it, address its deep-rooted causes and continue fantastic work with Women’s Aid to make women safer.”
Women’s Aid asked guests to ‘Come together to End Domestic Abuse’. It is time to call “cut” on misogyny and sexism, and for everyone to take “action” to end this insidious form gender-based abuse.
The evening at the London offices of Netflix kicked off with speeches from Ben King, Head of Policy at Netflix, and Nikki Bradley, Director of Services at Women’s Aid, with some powerful video messages from survivors of domestic abuse.
Ivy Irons gave a special live performance at the event, and Women’s Aid Ambassador Michelle Griffith Robinson gave a speech about the achievements of the organisation and her involvement with the charity. The fun filled night ended with DJ sets from Simone Butler from Primal Scream and Ashley James.
The event was attended by a whole host of guests, including Women’s Aid Ambassador Lucy Gaskell, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls Jess Phillips MP, representatives from corporate partners, and media.
Nikki Bradley MBE, Director of Services at Women’s Aid, said:
“It’s never been more important to come together as a society to safeguard the future of women and children. With domestic abuse and male violence reaching epidemic levels, now is the time to put a spotlight on what we can all do to call ‘Cut’ on ending abuse for good.”
