At Honeycomb Group, we’re proud to be working with our specialist brands – including domestic abuse specialist Glow – to mark the global 16 Days of Activism campaign to end gender-based violence.
This year’s theme, ending digital violence, highlights how technology is increasingly being used to harass, monitor and control survivors of abuse.
From 25 November to 10 December, we’re running a campaign – for staff and customers – raising awareness of digital abuse, the signs to look out for and where to access support.
Throughout the campaign, our teams will:
- Raise awareness among Group-wide customers, from women facing homelessness to older people staying independent at home, about recognising digital abuse
- Share a powerful survivor story of lived experience and hope
- Raise awareness internally, with support from Glow specialists, to help all Honeycomb Group colleagues identify signs of tech-based control and support those affected
Glow, our domestic abuse specialist charity, continues to provide expert advice to staff and customers across the Group - helping people stay safe online and in their homes.
Our specialist teams have guided hundreds of individuals and families toward new chapters, including Natasha, who has shared her story as part of this year’s campaign.
After experiencing over a decade of abuse, Natasha is now using her lived experience to help other women rebuild their lives through Glow’s Recovery Hub in Stoke-on-Trent.
Natasha spent 11 years in an abusive relationship where her ex-partner controlled her friendships, career and even the way she spoke.
“Nothing I did was ever right,” she recalls. “He would scream at me for being ‘bossy’ one minute and ‘indecisive’ the next. I was constantly walking on eggshells.”
The abuse escalated over time - from controlling behaviour to isolation and eventually physical violence. Leaving was one of the hardest decisions Natasha ever made, but it was also the first step towards freedom.
After finding specialist support, she rebuilt her life piece by piece. “When I left, I had nothing - no friends, no confidence, no sense of who I was. But I started therapy, reconnected with people who cared about me and began to heal.”
Natasha began volunteering at Glow’s Recovery Hub, which supports women as they move forward after abuse through group programmes, social activities and volunteering opportunities. Last year, she started a permanent role within the service.
“What Glow are doing would have been lifechanging for me when I left,” she says. “Now, I get to be part of something that helps others feel less alone. It’s about turning something painful into something positive.”
Natasha hopes her story inspires others to reach out for help. “Abuse can become normal so quickly. You survive because you have to. But you can recover - and there are people who will believe you and stand beside you.
“The scary thing about tech abuse is how accessible it is – you don’t even need to be in the same room as someone to cause them harm. It’s a growing problem, but there is support out there, and I feel proud that Glow are using the 16 days of activism to highlight their support.”
At Honeycomb Group, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe - online and offline.
