Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire County Council backed the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Northants Police used the global campaign to encourage women who are victims of sexual assault and violence to come forward.
One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their life.
Detective Chief Inspector Jen Helm, Head of Public Protection, said: “On average a woman is assaulted 35 times before reporting it to the police.
"I want to use this day to send out a very clear message to encourage all victims to pick up the phone and get help.
“We have specialist officers who offer as much assistance to victims as possible, whether that be helping them seek refuge, make a criminal complaint or find support from a partner organisation.
“We can help women get safe and stay safe.”
Staff awareness events providing advice and information were on Northamptonshire County Council's agenda for the day.
Deputy Leader Councillor Heather Smith said: “Violence against women and girls is often hidden.
"In our safeguarding role, it’s crucial that our employees can recognise the signs of violence against women so that we and our partners can support them.
“We’ve organised events for our staff specifically to mark this global campaign but for us, we work all year round to ensure our workforce is trained to recognise violence and abuse in all its forms.”
Northamptonshire against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Abuse (NADASA) also supported the campaign.
NADASA is a forum which includes many of the agencies in the county who work with victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse.
NADASA Chair, Wendy Lovell, said: "We are fortunate in this county to have a number of agencies working together to alleviate the impact of domestic and sexual abuse on families which lasts for many years.
“As we all work closely together - whether it be a voluntary sector or statutory organisation - we can make sure that victims can be signposted to the best agency to help, whatever the circumstances.”
Violence against women happens all around the world, with around 130 million women having undergone Female Genital Mutilation.
By Luke Atherton
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