Voices for Change: From Awareness Month to 16 Days of Action

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to do more than raise awareness. It is an opportunity to listen, learn, amplify survivor voices and take meaningful action to create lasting change.

At Honour Thy Woman Group, we know that domestic abuse & violence does not only happen behind closed doors. Its impact reaches families, communities, workplaces and future generations. Throughout October, we are focusing on awareness, advocacy and creating opportunities for survivors to be heard.

Your Voice Matters, Gloucestershire 💜

One of the most important projects we're supporting this month is the Gloucestershire Family Court & Domestic Abuse Experiences Survey.

If you have experienced domestic abuse and engagement with the Family Court in Gloucestershire, your experiences matter. By sharing your story, you can help build a clearer picture of what survivors face and help inform future change.

The survey closes on 31 October 2026.

👉 Take part here: Gloucestershire Family Court & Domestic Abuse Experiences Survey

Every response contributes to a better understanding of survivor experiences and helps ensure that those voices are not ignored.

New Podcast Release This Month

Later this month, we're excited to share the latest Dipcast Podcast episode.

The podcast continues important conversations around domestic abuse, recovery, justice and creating positive change for women and families. We look forward to sharing the episode with our supporters and community.

Keep an eye on our social media channels and website for release details.

Community Partnership Spotlight: The Body Shop Donation Drive

We are delighted to be partnering with The Body Shop on a community donation initiative to support women across the Forest of Dean.

Customers will have the opportunity to donate toiletries and gifts directly in-store. While these may seem like small items, they can have an enormous impact on women experiencing domestic abuse, hardship or crisis.

Many survivors tell us that practical acts of kindness help them feel seen, valued and supported. These donations help restore dignity, provide comfort and remind women that their community cares.

We are incredibly grateful to The Body Shop team for considering Honour Thy Woman Group as their charity partner and look forward to sharing updates on the difference these donations will make.

Looking Ahead: 16 Days of Action 2026

Whilst October focuses on awareness, we are already preparing for our 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which begins on 25 November.

This year's programme will bring together survivor voices, community action, education and advocacy across Gloucestershire.

Planned activities include:

Gloucestershire Against Violence Against Women and Girls (GAVWG) Event

25 November 2026

Our founder, Keasha, will be speaking at Gloucestershire County Council's event at Shire Hall, sharing the work of Honour Thy Woman Group and highlighting how local communities can support survivors.

Community Training Event

26 November 2026 | Speech House Hotel

The Silent Impact: Teens Living with Domestic Abuse

When we talk about domestic abuse, we often focus on the adults involved. But what about the teenagers silently witnessing it behind closed doors?

The arguments. The fear. The tension that never seems to disappear.

For many young people, witnessing abuse can affect their mental health, confidence, education, relationships and sense of safety long into adulthood.

As part of 16 Days of Activism, we will be exploring the hidden impact of domestic abuse on teenagers, why they are victims too, and what communities can do to support them.

Because every young person deserves to grow up feeling safe, valued and heard.

Community Action Protest

7 December 2026 | Cheltenham Court

As part of our 16 Days of Activism programme, Honour Thy Woman Group will be joining survivors, supporters and community partners in a peaceful protest outside Cheltenham Court to raise awareness of the challenges many victims and survivors continue to face when seeking justice and protection.

This event is an opportunity to stand together, amplify survivor voices and call for meaningful change. We will be working alongside local advocates and community leaders to ensure that those affected by domestic abuse are seen, heard and supported.

To help participants prepare, we will be hosting sign-making and planning workshops on:

• 30 November 2026

• 5 December 2026

Research Launch

We are also preparing for the release of research into the impact of domestic abuse on families, due in November.

Daily Awareness Campaign

Throughout the 16 Days, we will share:

• Facts and figures from family-focused research

• Survivor-centred insights

• Educational content

• Ways communities can support women and children affected by abuse

• Opportunities to get involved locally

  
  

Together We Create Change

Domestic Violence Awareness Month reminds us that awareness is only the starting point.

Real change happens when survivors are believed. When communities stand alongside them. When systems listen. When people choose to act.

Whether you complete the survey, share our content, attend an event, donate, volunteer or simply start a conversation, your support helps create safer futures for women, children and families across Gloucestershire.

From all of us at Honour Thy Woman Group, thank you for standing with survivors and helping us turn awareness into action.

💜 Together, we can ensure every voice is heard.