Unplug Abuse: DVConnect launches 16 Days of Activism 2025 Campaign
The internet can be a place of joy, belonging, and discovery.
It allows us to stay close in ways our great-grandparents could never have imagined.
From video calling loved ones on the other side of the world, to sharing milestones in real time, to finding our people, partners, and community, the online world is a lifeline for many.
But for far too many women and girls, that same technology becomes a weapon in the hands of someone who wishes to belittle, threaten or harm her.
Online abuse, stalking apps, coerced access to devices, deepfake pornography, and targeted harassment are becoming alarmingly common. Women report being doxxed, impersonated, threatened, silenced, and surveilled — often by people they know, and sometimes by total strangers.
This year, we’re calling for individuals, communities, organisations and government to Unplug Abuse and put an end to technology-facilitated abuse.
Every year, from 25 November to 10 December, organisations, activists, and communities around the world come together for 16 Days of Activism – an annual campaign to tackle gender-based violence. For 16 Days of Activism 2025, the United Nations campaign calls us to focus on eliminating online abuse.
Technology-facilitated abuse is widespread – and growing
The statistics are grim:
- One UN Women Report found that more than 50% of women has experienced at least one form of technology-facilitated violence.
The most common forms of abuse were sexual harassment and stalking.
- Over 90% of deepfake videos are sexual images of women.
AI-generated sexual abuse imagery is skyrocketing, exposing women to new forms of abuse.
The internet is becoming a frontline for gender-based violence. It must stop.
What we’re calling for during 16 Days of Activism 2025
Through this year’s campaign, we will highlight:
- The many forms of technology-facilitated abuse
- The deep personal and social impacts on women, girls, and communities
- Practical digital safety tools and resources
- The ways every person can contribute to safer online spaces
When we talk about gender-based violence today, we must talk about digital violence. When we work to prevent abuse, we must include the online world. When we imagine a safer future, it must be one where women and girls can live and connect free from fear.
It’s time to Unplug Abuse.
Take Action With Us
During the 16 Days of Activism, you can help create safer digital spaces and amplify the message that digital violence is unacceptable.
Download our campaign resources
Access shareable graphics and posters to help spread the word.
Share our campaign across your social media
Use your voice and your platform to spread awareness.
Tag your posts with:
#UnplugAbuse #EndDigitalViolence #16Days #OrangeTheWorld
Join the global movement on 10 December
On the final day of the campaign (Human Rights Day), post the Orange Square to your social media with the hashtag #OrangeTheWorld to show your commitment to ending violence in all forms — online and offline.
A simple square.
A powerful message.
A global stand for safety and equality.
Together, We Can Reclaim Digital Spaces
Ending digital violence isn’t just about recognising the problem — it’s about refusing to accept it. When we challenge harmful behaviours, support survivors, demand safer platforms, and equip our communities with tools and knowledge, we help build a digital world that protects, empowers, and respects all women and girls.
This 16 Days, join us.
Let’s Unplug Abuse — and switch on a safer future for everyone.
Supporter Toolkit: Download Resources
