Organisations across Surrey and Hampshire have united to mark White Ribbon Day and the start of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign to confront violence against women and girls.

South Western Railway (SWR) and Hampshire County Council (HCC) were among those taking part, with initiatives ranging from a symbolic Race the Dark relay across the rail network to survivor-led programmes shaping local services.

White Ribbon UK, the charity engaging men and boys to challenge harmful attitudes, has been supported by SWR since 2022, with many of its Class 450 trains carrying the charity’s logo.

This year’s Race the Dark event began in Weymouth just after sunrise, with colleagues carrying a White Ribbon baton through Winchester, Woking and Wimbledon.

Staff and volunteers along the relay route invited customers to sign the White Ribbon Promise, reinforcing a culture of respect and safety on trains and at stations.

Grant Robey, the head of security and safeguarding for SWR, said:“We have supported White Ribbon UK for the last three years and are committed to play our part in helping to end violence against women and girls.

“We are especially proud to stand alongside our colleagues from train operators across the country, underlining the railway industry’s commitment to the White Ribbon promise.

HCC’s White Ribbon programme featured community workshops, school training sessions on recognising domestic abuse, a children’s art exhibition called The Art of Being Heard, and the launch of Young People’s Domestic Abuse Ambassadors.

Cllr Stephen Reid, executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “Speaking up about domestic abuse and gender-based violence is vital if we want to create safer communities.”

An estimated 34,100 women, 18,000 men and more than 42,000 children experience domestic abuse in Hampshire each year.

The council works closely with the Authentic Voice Panel of survivors, supported by SafeLives, ensuring services reflect lived experience.

Help is available for anyone affected by domestic abuse. Call the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Advice Line on 03300 165112 or visit HDAP for information on what support is available.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can’t speak, press 55 when prompted.