In 2025, gender-based violence remains all too prevalent.
Figures collated by UN Women, an organisation dedicated to gender equality, and drawn from data sets in 161 countries, reveal an alarming picture of violence perpetrated against women and girls across the world:
- An estimated 736 million women - almost one in three - have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence
- In 2023, around 51,100 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or other family members
- One in 10 women in the European Union report having experienced cyber-harassment with that figure rising to more than half for women living in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
In response to this, organisations and individuals, every year, come together to take a stand against violence perpetrated on women and girls by backing the global 16 Days of Action Against Gender-based Violence campaign.
The 16 Days of Action campaign begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs through to International Human Rights Day on 10 December.
At GSA our domestic abuse support services lead our organisation in marking the 16 Days of Action, here is what they are planning to do to support the campaign this year:
Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS)
GDASS will be supporting activities across Gloucestershire in partnership with local authorities and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. This includes coordinated communications, community engagement initiatives, internal learning sessions, and creative activities designed to amplify unheard voices and encourage wider participation across the county.
Working closely with partners, GDASS will ensure our contribution reflects the diverse communities we serve and supports the wider county response throughout the 16 Days.
Ciara Owens-Lattimore, Deputy Manager at GDASS, said: “Starting today, we will be running a daily social media campaign focusing on the experiences of minority and underrepresented groups affected by domestic abuse. Our posts will place a spotlight on barriers to support, share key information, and highlight practical ways friends, family and community members can help. Be sure to follow, like and share.
“In addition to our online activity, we are delivering a programme of events for staff, clients and partners throughout the 16 Days. This includes an internal Lunch and Learn session on domestic abuse and LGBT+ people, a creative empowerment workshop within our Breathe Group Programme, and our ‘Tree of Action’ pledge display, which will travel across sites to gather collective commitments.
“We are also supporting planned engagement work with minority ethnic communities later in the campaign. These activities are intended to spark reflection, encourage participation and strengthen inclusive practice across the county.”
Colleagues from GDASS will be holding a training session focussing on Domestic Abuse and Workplace on Monday 8th December, 1pm-2.30pm. All colleagues are welcome to attend this session. Add it to your Outlook calendar here.
Fernbrooke
Colleagues and customers at Fernbrooke, a supported living scheme located in Birmingham, will be engaging in a range of activities throughout the 16 Days of Action including a social media awareness seminar, an inspirational recital of ‘words from warrior women’, an arts and craft session and a film screening. All activities will take place within the scheme and will culminate in a celebration event on Wednesday 10 December.
Domestic Abuse Walsall Service (DAWS)
Our colleagues at DAWS will be supporting events run by Walsall Domestic Abuse Forum who are raising awareness of the tackling Violence Against Women and Girls agenda during the 16 Days of Action.
Representatives from DAWS will attend a marketplace networking session at Walsall Manor Hospital for domestic abuse support providers on Tuesday 25 November and support a one day conference providing professionals from the emergency services, local government and housing sector with the opportunity to hear from survivors of domestic abuse first hand.
DAWS colleagues and service users will also be knitting and crocheting pieces of art to be displayed in Walsall Library which will tie in with 16 Days of Action.
Haps Bram, Domestic Violence Services Manager at DAWS, said: “The 16 Days of Action is an important opportunity to promote DAWS and engage with both the public and partner organisations.
“We will once again proudly work alongside the Walsall Domestic Abuse Forum and the Safer Walsall Partnership to mark the 16 Days of Action.”