#NoExcuse - 16 days of activism

16 days of activism artwork

#NoExcuse - 16 days of activism

16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Each year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence runs from 25 November (White Ribbon Day) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). This international campaign calls for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

This year’s theme is about ending digital violence against all women and girls. It highlights the growing issue of abuse, harassment, and exploitation taking place online and through digital technology. From image-based abuse and cyberstalking to online misogyny and threats, digital violence causes real harm. It limits women and girls’ freedom, safety, and participation in public life.

Find out more from the UN about the 16 days of activism campaign.

White Ribbon Day

25 November is White Ribbon Day, marking the start of the 16 days of activism campaign. It is a global movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls (VAWG). They promote equality, respect and positive masculinity. Wearing a white ribbon is a pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women and girls.

White Ribbon will share the stories of 16 ambassadors, one each day, during the 16 days of activism. Find out more by visiting the White Ribbon website.

Events during the 16 days of activism in 2025

  • End digital violence against all women and girls webinar

    This free webinar from the Domestic Abuse Research Network is an interactive panel session about harms using technology such as image based sexual abuse, harassment and so on. Panellists include local experts Dr Joanne Walker and Sarah Rae.

    Candlelit vigil - Horsham

    Women's Institute (WI) are raising awareness about violence against women by holding a candlelit vigil in Horsham.

    • Location: The Carfax, Horsham Town Centre
    • Time: 5pm to 6pm

    Candlelit vigil - Chichester

    Women's Institute (WI) are raising awareness about violence against women by holding a candlelit vigil in Chichester.

    • Location: Chichester Cross, Chichester Town Centre 
    • Time: 6pm to 7pm

    Community bystander intervention training workshop

    Offered by Hersana, this free online session gives people the skills to recognise and challenge misogynistic and other discriminatory behaviour in their everyday life.

    Your community cares campaign

    Volunteers will give out handmade, white knitted woollen hearts at railway stations across West Sussex. They aim to promote safety, kindness and community connection and are a symbolic gesture of care to passengers, staff and local businesses. Southeast Community Rail Partnership and West Sussex County Council are organising this.

    Victim Support pop-up event

    Speak to members of the team who will have security equipment and leaflets to show you and find out about the services Victim Support can provide.

    • Location: Holmbush Centre, Shoreham (between Tesco and Marks and Spencer)

  • Strike Back Self Defence - UN End VAWG free community workshop

    Strike Back Self Defence are offering free workshops providing practical self defence skills, confidence building techniques and awareness.

    • Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm or 3.30pm to 4.30pm
    • Location: Riptide Fitness Centre, Hove Park
    • Booking: See the booking calendar on TeamUp

  • Event for Central and Eastern European speaking women

    Hot drinks, cakes and local support for women with cost of living advice, free blood pressure checks and interpreters available.

    • Time: 10am to 12 midday
    • Location: The Shore Community Church, 73 Victoria Drive, Bognor Regis

    Older people, digital systems and abuse workshop

    Free online workshop from Safer Places. A webinar exploring how the change to digital services across banking, healthcare, communication and social services can heighten risks of abuse, neglect and exclusion.

  • Black femme experience of the digital world: AI, tech and virtual abuse training workshop

    An online training workshop from Hersana. exploring how tech abuse and AI tools are changing gender-based violence, particularly for black femmes.

  • Economic abuse in a digital age workshop

    A free workshop from Safer Places, looking at how abusers can use technology to reinforce economic control, limit independence and deepen the financial impact of abuse.

  • LGBTQ+ domestic abuse awareness online coffee morning

    Switchboard are running an online coffee morning to learn about how domestic abuse affects LGBTQ+ people.

    Happily never after...: Understanding and responding to post-separation abuse

    Hersana are providing a free online training session about the forms and impacts of, and systems that enable, post separation abuse from from family courts to economic control and stalking.

    Beyond the screen - Embedding digital abuse prevention into the Coordinated Community Response (CCR)

    This CCR network workshop is free and online. It is to share ideas on how to embed digital abuse prevention into the CCR.

    Grievable bodies: Race and remembering in the context of domestic homicide

    From Hersana, this online training looks at the stories of black femmes lost to gender-based violence.

     

  • Responding well to disclosures of sexual violence: An introduction

    A free online training session from Life Centre to give people an introduction to the impact sexual violence and harassment can have, why people can find it challenging to disclose their experience and how to respond well when someone discloses.

    Breaking the silence: Stories of strength

    Every woman’s story matters – and this event is about giving those stories the space, respect, and power they deserve. Breaking the silence will bring together women who have bravely chosen to share their lived experiences, alongside members of our dedicated team who will offer insight into our ongoing work and the life-changing impact of community support.

    • Time: 6.45pm to 9.00pm - speakers start at 7.30pm
    • Location: Arundel Town Hall
    • Booking: See My Sisters' House website

  • Intervening safely in a sexual violence incident training

    A free online training course from Life Centre, giving an introduction to sexual violence and harassment, discussing the impact on the person who has experienced it and those who they interact with in their communities, including work and leisure spaces. It will also explore how attitudes to sexual violence and harassment can lead to the 'rape culture' where incidents are tolerated and normalised.

  • AI, deepfakes and abuse: A new threat

    A free online workshop from Safer Places to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping tactics of abuse and coercion. The webinar examines how abusers can use emerging technologies such as voice cloning and automated surveillance to cause harm, manipulate and control victims.