16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence 2026

What is the 2026 campaign theme?

For the wider 16 Days of Activism campaign, UN Women UK’s current campaign page uses “UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls: Ensure Justice, Protect Survivors, End Impunity.” The Australian Government’s 2026 campaign announcement also confirms this theme and the dates.

This is the wider UNiTE campaign theme. The UK workplace-focused 16 Days of Action website contains older material, so check dates and contact information before reusing a document or an old event invitation from it.

When are the 16 Days of Action 2026?

The campaign runs from Wednesday 25 November to Thursday 10 December 2026, inclusive. That is 16 calendar days.

It begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ends on Human Rights Day. White Ribbon Day also falls on 25 November. An organisation can connect its activities across the period while keeping the identity of each campaign clear.

Ideas across the 16 days

Choose a small number of actions your organisation can carry through. For example, start with a policy check, hold a manager briefing, share current specialist resources and finish with a dated commitment to address an identified gap.

For public communications, explain the action behind the post: who is responsible, what will change and how progress will be reviewed. If supporting a charity, identify the beneficiary and use its official donation route. A survivor’s account should never be requested as the price of participation.

Why include domestic abuse in a workplace campaign?

Domestic abuse can affect someone’s safety, wellbeing and working life. It is not limited to physical violence: GOV.UK’s domestic abuse guidance describes controlling, coercive, economic and other forms of abuse, as well as routes to help.

A useful workplace campaign gives people a clear way to find support and gives managers a process to follow. It should not ask staff to reveal experiences in a public meeting or turn a personal disclosure into campaign content.

A practical plan for employers

The following is a suggested planning sequence. Agree safeguarding and employment arrangements with the appropriate specialists before launching an activity.

1. Check the existing policy. Identify who receives a concern, where confidential conversations can happen and what information managers need to handle it appropriately.
2. Verify support links. Use current national and specialist services, including options relevant to the people your organisation serves. Test links rather than copying a number from an old poster.
3. Prepare managers. Explain how to listen, respond respectfully and refer to specialist support. Managers should know the limits of their role and the organisation’s confidentiality arrangements.
4. Share a simple invitation. State the campaign dates, the learning objective and where people can find help privately. Attendance and personal storytelling are different choices.
5. Agree a follow-up. Set a date after 10 December to review whether policies, information and support routes have improved.

Finding help and sharing information safely

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For current domestic abuse support options, use the government help page, which includes specialist services and information on getting help when you cannot speak safely.

Think about whether it is safe for someone to receive a message, printed leaflet or follow-up contact. Ask a specialist service for guidance where needed. A workplace awareness activity cannot replace personalised safety advice.