The Official World Record (OWR), Europe proudly certifies Ashkhen Andrea Aviet of the United Kingdom for setting a groundbreaking and socially transformative world record. She becomes the first recipient of the British Empire Medal (BEM) to self-fund, produce and star in a globally celebrated domestic abuse awareness short film, “Don’t Cry.” Andrea’s work is more than cinematic storytelling—it is a movement, a voice and a revolution in survivor-led advocacy. With no external funding, Andrea turned personal trauma into global testimony, creating a film that not only achieved 28 international festival selections and 8 prestigious awards, but was also screened inside the UK Parliament on International Women’s Day 2023—a historic world first.
This recognition honors not only Andrea’s creative and emotional labor, but her trailblazing role in addressing one of the most pervasive social issues of our time. As a domestic abuse survivor, her memoir, White Sorrow, formed the raw foundation of the film Don’t Cry. It is rare to witness such an unfiltered, deeply personal and artistically potent translation of lived experience onto the global stage. Andrea’s courage to not only share her story but to elevate it into policy, media and advocacy arenas makes her achievement truly extraordinary.
The British Empire Medal, awarded to Andrea for services to victims of domestic abuse, symbolizes official national recognition of her relentless pursuit of justice. Her recognition through this record adds an international dimension, showing that resilience and healing, when channeled through strategic advocacy and artistic expression, can redefine systems and challenge cultural silence.
Andrea’s role is not limited to that of an artist or survivor—she is a changemaker. Don’t Cry is a landmark in advocacy; it serves as a cultural intervention, a training resource, a community mirror and a legislative wake-up call. Winning at Cannes and London Rocks Film Festival among others, the film sets a new benchmark for how independent, trauma-informed storytelling can create global conversations, legislative impact and hope for countless others in similar circumstances.
What makes Andrea’s journey even more iconic is the Parliament screening—an event never before achieved by any survivor-led film of this nature. Attended by lawmakers, activists and community leaders, the screening amplified survivor voices at the heart of national governance. The timing, International Women’s Day 2023, made it all the more powerful—placing Andrea’s work at the intersection of gender justice, legislative awareness and societal transformation.
Beyond filmmaking, Andrea Aviet has emerged as a national and international icon. Recognized among the Top 100 Influential People in the UK, she has become a beacon for survivors, advocates and reformers alike. Her story has rippled across the British media landscape—featured in The Independent, Belfast Telegraph and The London Evening Standard. These features don’t just cover her achievements; they contextualize her movement. They illuminate the raw strength behind her mission: to become a human chain of strength for others who have faced the same darkness.
Andrea’s advocacy doesn’t stop with press or policy. She has cultivated grassroots awareness and continues to campaign for systemic reforms, mentor survivors and work across borders to bring her message to a global audience. From authoring compelling books to directing emotionally immersive films and presenting in parliamentary panels, Andrea’s multi-platform activism is unmatched. Her website, media appearances and ongoing campaigns have positioned her as one of the most dynamic and fearless advocates for domestic abuse awareness worldwide.
The official recognition from OWR encapsulates more than a record—it validates a revolution. Andrea Aviet has singlehandedly demonstrated how survivor voices can move from margin to mainstream, from victimhood to leadership and from silence to legislative empowerment. Her world record is not just a personal triumph but a symbolic victory for every survivor whose story was ever dismissed, every voice ever silenced and every life ever broken by abuse.
In our 2025 Official Record Book, Andrea Aviet’s name will shine under a category that did not previously exist—because she created it. Her record will be cataloged as a pioneering contribution to the global movement for survivor-led justice, media activism, and gender equality.
Andrea’s journey is a powerful message to the world: that survivors are not defined by what happened to them, but by how they rise. Through storytelling, advocacy and unmatched personal resilience, Andrea Aviet has not only earned a place in the history of records but has carved out a legacy of inspiration that will endure for generations.
