16 Days of Activism
What we shared, why it matters, and where to get help
Over the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Gilgal joined organisations across the world in calling for an end to all forms of violence against women and girls. Across our campaign, we shared information, statistics, lived experiences and practical advice, with one clear message: abuse is widespread, often hidden, and no one should face it alone.
We began by setting out the scale of domestic abuse globally, nationally and locally. One in three women worldwide will experience gender-based violence in their lifetime, and every ten minutes a woman is killed by an intimate partner or family member. Here in the UK, police record a domestic abuse-related crime every 30 seconds, yet fewer than one in five women ever report what is happening to them. In the West Midlands alone, more than 84,000 domestic abuse crimes were recorded in 2024, making it one of the most affected regions in England and Wales.
Behind every statistic is a real woman, a real family, and a real story.
A central focus of this year’s campaign was digital abuse and the way technology is increasingly used as a tool of coercive control. We explored how abuse can take place through phones, apps, social media, email, online banking and location tracking, often continuing long after a relationship has ended. We shared practical steps women can take to protect their privacy online, guidance on “digitally breaking up” with an abusive ex-partner, and information on image-based abuse, including survivor rights under UK law. Crucially, we highlighted that online abuse is rarely “just online”; it is often linked to escalating control and real-world harm, including femicide.
We also shared guidance for parents and carers on keeping children and teenagers safe online. From grooming and coercion to sexting and “sextortion”, the risks facing young people are serious and evolving. Throughout, we emphasised the importance of open, honest conversations about consent, boundaries and what healthy relationships should look like, alongside practical safety measures.
Lived experience remained at the heart of the campaign. We shared Carol’s story, which highlights the often-overlooked reality of abuse by adult children, and Sarah’s story, which showed how financial and digital abuse can strip someone of independence and choice. These stories are sobering reminders that abuse does not always look the way we expect — and that recovery is possible with the right support.
We also acknowledged that digital and domestic abuse do not affect all women equally. Women facing racism, migration insecurity, disability, homophobia or transphobia are at greater risk of targeted abuse and face additional barriers to safety. In light of recent attacks in Walsall and Oldbury, we stood in solidarity with marginalised communities and signposted specialist, culturally informed support.
Alongside awareness-raising, we took time to come together in solidarity. Gilgal staff attended a Birmingham City Council event held under the Domestic Abuse Prevention Strategy, joined a two-minute silence to remember those lost to abuse, and added our pledges alongside partners across the city. We also helped #OrangeTheWorld by wearing orange to our team meeting as a visible show of support for survivors everywhere.
As the campaign drew to a close, our message was simple: if anything we shared resonated with you, help is available. Gilgal offers free, confidential support through drop-in sessions and one-to-one advocacy, delivered by qualified IDVAs and ISVAs, in safe and welcoming community spaces.
While the 16 Days of Activism may have ended, the work continues. Ending violence against women and girls requires ongoing awareness, action and solidarity. By sharing information, supporting specialist services, and speaking out, we all have a role to play.
View the entire campaign on our Instagram.
If you need support, Gilgal can help.
