The “16 Days” campaign – How to get involved in countering violence?

09 12 2025

One of the main objectives of the 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence campaign is to mobilise communities to take action. Violence – at home, in relationships, at work, at university or in digital spaces – does not end on its own. Change begins with a community response, with education and building a culture of non-consent to violence.

An intervention, even a small one, even a non-verbal one, can be crucial. It can confirm to the victim that we see and respond, or simply support in a moment of danger. As many as 60% of people experiencing violence who received a supportive response reported that it helped them to continue to recover from the violence [1]. At the same time, it’s important to remember that support in times of danger is necessary, but it shouldn’t put our health and lives at risk. In such cases, it’s best to notify the appropriate authorities.

Supporting a person experiencing violence when they come to us for help after the event is just as important.

The most important principles of support after experiencing violence:

• believe – do not question the victim’s experience,
• don’t judge – violence is the choice of the perpetrator, not the victim,
• do not pressure – the person has the right to decide on the next steps,
• help to get to professional help – but don’t take control,
• be available – sometimes listening is what is needed most [2].

Effective prevention of violence requires clear response procedures, trained staff, access to free specialist assistance, active anti-discrimination, effective cooperation between public institutions and NGOs.

NGOs have been conducting educational, intervention and advocacy activities related to gender-based violence for years, including:

1. Feminoteka Foundation – educational and anti-violence activities: training, materials on responding to violence, intervention and helpline;
2. Centre for Women’s Rights (CPK) – legal, psychological and intervention assistance, social campaigns on domestic and gender violence
3. Autonomia Foundation – educational activities on empowerment and gender-based violence prevention

These organisations run awareness campaigns and trainings, publish guides and reports. It is worth checking out their resources – they are often available free of charge.

How can you get involved personally?

By taking part in anti-violence training, supporting anti-discrimination activities in the workplace and at university, providing educational materials and disseminating knowledge and, above all, responding in crisis situations by reporting violence and abuse.

Commitment does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes all it takes is knowledge, sensitivity and a willingness to say “stop”.

Information about support institutions at the University of Warsaw can be found here.

Help map – an interactive map of Poland, containing information about places where women can obtain legal, psychological, social support or accommodation, created by the Czas Kobiet Foundation

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[1] UNFPA, GBV in Emergencies Compendium (2022).

[2] Compiled from Feminoteka Foundation, https://feminoteka.pl/.