Forest of Dean District Council pledges its support for 16 Days of Action

With funding from the Community Safety Partnership, a pledge tree is being hosted at the Council offices in Coleford to display staff and councillor's thoughts and their meaningful commitment to tackling abuse, supporting survivors, and encouraging community action.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Jackie Dale said:

“Domestic abuse affects people across all communities, including rural communities such as those in the Forest of Dean. It is not only a private issue but a societal one, with profound impacts on health, wellbeing, and safety.

“GDASS provides vital services to those experiencing abuse, offering practical help, emotional support, and pathways to safety, and the Council’s partnership with GDASS reflects our shared responsibility to ensure that survivors are supported and empowered to rebuild their lives.

“The pledge tree is a powerful symbol of solidarity. Staff, councillors, and visitors are invited to write pledges that demonstrate their commitment to ending domestic abuse. Each pledge placed on the tree represents a personal promise to contribute to change, creating a collective voice that says clearly: abuse will not be tolerated in our community.

"I’m extremely proud of our Council’s proactive approach and delighted that our commitment to tackling the effects of domestic abuse on children is being recognized in a new Service Level Agreement that will help to ensure children and young people who are victims of domestic abuse are supported holistically and signposted to the help they need”

The 16 Days of Action campaign runs until 10 December 2025; however, Forest of Dean District Council works with partners year-round to offer advice, support and awareness in tackling domestic abuse in the district. This includes supporting international campaigns such as the 16 Days of Action but also focuses on campaigns such as ‘Ask for Angela’, ‘Cut it Out’, and the ‘Your view, Your Voice’ training that has taken place in colleges, schools and businesses across the Forest.

Councillors and officers have also taken part in internal training to ensure they are able to spot signs of domestic abuse and act accordingly to tackle the issue and offer the appropriate assistance.

Chair of the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Forum, Cllr Di Martin said:

“This campaign is about more than raising awareness. The pledge tree is about fostering a culture of accountability and compassion.

“We recognise that change begins with individuals, but it is strengthened when organisations such as the Council take a stand. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire conversations, challenge stigma, and encourage people to seek help when they need it.” 

Further information on support offered by the Council and GDASS can be found on the Forest of Dean District Council website: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/communities-health-and-leisure/community-safety/domestic-abuse/