The event, taking place inside the Harpur Centre in Bedford town centre from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM, is open to everyone with no booking required. It aims to honour and remember women and girls who have lost their lives to male violence over the past year.
During the event, names will be read out, followed by a minute's silence at 11:00 AM. Support information for those affected by gender-based violence will also be available. Similar events will occur simultaneously in Luton and Dunstable.
This initiative is part of the worldwide 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign, which runs annually from 25 November to 10 December. GBV is recognised as a form of hate crime, predominantly experienced by women and girls.
Councillor Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children’s Services, stated, “We are united in standing up to violence against women and girls together with other Bedfordshire communities. Gender-based violence will not be tolerated.”
She added, “During the #TooManyNames event in Bedford town centre, each and every name will be remembered, honoured and respected; they will not be forgotten. We invite everyone to join us to support the movement of opposing violence against women and girls, and commit to helping shape a safer future for all.”
For those affected by domestic abuse or gender-based violence seeking guidance, the Bedford Domestic Abuse Partnership (BDAP) offers information and support resources at https://bedsdv.org.uk/.
