The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

The campaign was started by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991. It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

This year’s campaign we're calling on everyone to help raise awareness and protect families and pets.

Did you know?

"97% of professionals said pets are often used as a means of controlling and coercing someone experiencing domestic abuse." 

Source: Dog's Trust Freedom

Ruby’s Law fights for the safety of both people and their animals - so no one has to choose between escaping abuse and protecting those they love.

• In households experiencing domestic abuse in England and Wales, 90% reported that animals were also abused by the perpetrator.
• In 12% of these households, pets were killed.

Source: Nine in 10 domestic abusers also target pets, survey finds | The Independent 

Dogs Trust Freedom found that 97% of professionals working in the domestic abuse sector say animals are often used as a means of controlling someone experiencing violence. A total of 50% of professionals were aware of cases where pets had been killed.