16 Days of Action

Why rural Hertfordshire needs this campaign

National campaigns are often built around towns and cities—a bus route to a refuge, a neighbour close enough to hear. In a village, the nearest house can be a field away.

• 👀Lack of anonymity can make it harder to ask for help when everyone knows everyone.
• 📍Distance and isolation can leave people further from neighbours, services and support.
• 🚌Limited transport and specialist services can make refuge spaces, safe places and specialist workers much harder to reach.
• 📱Digital blackspots can make confidential information and online support less accessible.
• 💷Financial dependency through shared farms, businesses or accounts can leave nowhere else to go.
• ⏱️Slower response times for rural policing and services can mean a longer wait.
• 🗣️Traditional norms—“that’s just how it is round here”—can silence a conversation.

However remote the house and however small the village, no one in Hertfordshire should have to face domestic abuse alone. By walking together, communities can raise awareness, share routes to support and make it easier to start a conversation.

Lead a walk in your village

Could your village add another walk to the campaign?

Individuals, community groups, village halls, parish councils and local organisations can all help bring a walk to their community. CDA Herts will provide campaign materials and practical guidance to help you take part.