16 Days of Activism 2025: Raising Awareness, Protecting Survivors, and Standing Together

The 16 Days of Activism 2025 is an international campaign that calls for awareness, protection, and action against gender-based violence. The United Nations confirmed that the campaign runs every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). This annual movement began in 1991 and has grown into a global call for governments, communities, and organisations to stand with survivors and challenge harmful systems.(Source: UN Women).

For those healing from narcissistic abuse, coercive control, or emotional manipulation, this campaign can feel personal. It recognises the reality many women quietly carry. It reminds survivors that their experiences matter and that abuse, in any form, is never acceptable.

What Is the 16 Days of Activism?

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a worldwide campaign that focuses on:

• Raising awareness of domestic and gender-based violence

• Encouraging prevention and early intervention

• Supporting survivors

• Influencing policy change

• Strengthening community responsibility

  
  

According to UN Women, the campaign engages over 6,000 organisations from 187 countries each year.

Why 16 Days?

The dates symbolically connect gender-based violence with human rights. The message is clear. Safety is a human right. Dignity is a human right. Healing is a human right.

Why the 16 Days of Activism Matters for Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse

Many survivors of narcissistic abuse experience patterns that overlap with recognised forms of gender-based violence, including:

• Emotional manipulation

• Coercive control

• Isolation

• Intimidation

• Financial control

• Psychological abuse

  
  

The UK Government defines coercive or controlling behaviour as behaviour that has a “serious effect” on the victim’s day-to-day life. This includes fear, distress, and loss of independence.

During the 16 Days of Activism, these realities are brought into public conversation. Survivors often find validation when society acknowledges the hidden forms of abuse that do not leave physical scars but deeply affect mental and emotional wellbeing.

Signs of Abuse That Often Go Unnoticed

1. Manipulation disguised as love

Many survivors report behaviour that appears caring on the surface but slowly erodes self-esteem.

2. Isolation and control

Limiting friendships, monitoring movements, or discouraging independence are behaviours recognised by UK law as potential indicators of coercive control.

3. Emotional destabilisation

This can include silent treatment, guilt-tripping, or intentionally triggering insecurities.

4. Love-bombing followed by withdrawal

This cycle is common in narcissistic relationship dynamics and makes survivors doubt their own perception.

5. Minimising abuse

Statements like “you’re too sensitive” or “you’re imagining things” are forms of gaslighting.

Recognising these patterns is an important step in healing.

How Survivors Can Honour the 16 Days of Activism

You do not need to attend events or post online to take part. Healing itself is activism. Your safety and wellbeing come first.

You can honour these 16 days by:

1. Learning more about your experiences: Reading trauma-informed guides, attending workshops, or joining community spaces.

2. Documenting your growth: Journaling, affirmations, or attending healing circles.

3. Seeking support: This may include therapy, support groups, or community organisations.

4. Setting boundaries: Boundaries protect your peace and guide your healing.

5. Sharing your story when safe: Speaking in your own time and on your own terms can be empowering.

The Role of Community Support

Healing after abuse is not something anyone should do alone. Community care is one of the key ideas behind the 16 Days of Activism.

What supportive communities offer

• Emotional safety

• Practical advice

• Validation

• Reduced isolation

• Shared wisdom from others who have survived similar experiences

Real-World Insight: Survivors Often Carry Silent Strength

Many women describe experiences such as:

• Leaving and returning multiple times

• Feeling responsible for the abuser’s emotions

• Staying because of children or finances

• Losing their identity over time

• Feeling ashamed to tell others what they endured

These are common patterns noted in survivor-focused research by organisations such as Women’s Aid. The complexity of these situations is real and valid.

SOAQ works to remind survivors that what happened to them was not their fault and that healing is possible at every stage of life.

How You Can Participate in the 2025 Campaign

You can engage in ways that feel safe and manageable:

1. Wear Orange

The UN uses orange to symbolise a future without violence.

2. Share Awareness Posts

If and only if you feel comfortable.

3. Attend Local Events

Many organisations across the UK run community events throughout the 16 days.

4. Volunteer with Survivor-Focused Groups

Your lived experience can support someone else’s journey.

5. Support Survivor-Led Businesses

Including SOAQ’s books, workshops, and healing tools.

Practical Steps for Survivors During This Time

Step 1: Prioritise your safety

If you feel unsafe, contact appropriate services such as the National Domestic Abuse Helpline run by Refuge, available 24 hours at 0808 2000 247.

Step 2: Keep a documentation log

This helps if you later need evidence of patterns of behaviour.

Step 3: Build a grounding routine

Calming exercises help regulate the body and reduce anxiety.

Step 4: Reflect on your boundaries

Consider what is no longer acceptable in your life.

Step 5: Celebrate your progress

Small steps count. You survived. You are healing. You are rebuilding.

The 16 Days of Activism 2025 is more than a campaign. It is a reminder that survivors deserve safety, respect, and support every day of the year. For women healing from narcissistic abuse, this period can bring renewed understanding and empowerment. It shines a light on behaviours often hidden behind closed doors and encourages communities to step up and create safer environments.

Strength Of A Queen exists to guide survivors from pain to power through awareness, community, and healing tools. As we move into 2026, SOAQ will continue standing with every woman reclaiming her voice and rebuilding her life. You are not alone. You matter. You deserve peace.