The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (25 Nov - 10 Dec) is a global campaign that can make a local difference.

During these 16 days, we're inviting our community to show their support for women, children, and young people affected by domestic abuse in Shetland by fundraising for our charity. We supported 243 women and 106 children and young people last year alone, and we know that these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. Everyone knows someone affected by domestic abuse in Shetland, whether they realise it or not.

Over these 16 Days, we're encouraging folk to go "sweemin for weemin" and raise money for our viral services, while spreading some awareness of the work that we do. Our hope is that these swims (whether you choose to do a daily dip in the sea, or some laps in the leisure centre) will be a way of bringing folk together to talk about gender-based violence in Shetland, in a way that encourages some change in our community. We also want folk to do something good for their own mental and physical health at the same time, feeling completely free and alive. This is the feeling we want all of our clients to have.

The money raised will go directly towards our specialist services. We provide a range of practical and emotional support including safety planning, trauma therapy, and temporary accommodation. You can learn more about our work by visiting our website: https://www.shetlandwa.org/

Please get in touch with us (office@shetlandwa.org) if you would like some support with your fundraising efforts. If you choose to swim in the sea, please do not go alone, and please do not stay in the water for more than a few minutes at a time. Your safety is the most important thing.