Violence Against Women: How can you play a role in preventing the abuse from happening in the first place
Violence against women is a global issue and one that has been ongoing for centuries. In the 21st century, there is more awareness, yet, every year 66,000 women are violently killed globally, accounting for approximately 17% of all victims of intentional homicides. MEA Worldwide's (MEAWW) Violence Against Women campaign will examine different aspects of the issue and society's role in addressing it.
While men and women can both be victims of violence, women are often more vulnerable to violence at the hands of men. Violence against women is a unique category, stemming from the historical and ongoing inequalities between men and women as well as the violation of human rights that is prevalent all over the world. It has become a widespread and dire public health problem. Furthermore, violence against women has serious consequences on women's health including mental health problems (depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies), unintended pregnancies, fatal and non-fatal injuries, induced abortions, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, etc. Global and regional research data on violence against women compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in three women worldwide has experienced either physical and/ or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.
According to WHO, violence against women is "any public or private act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty with the family or general community." It includes sexual, physical, or emotional abuse by an intimate partner, family member or others, sexual harassment or abuse by figures with authority, honor-killing, female genital mutilation, dowry-related violence, forced marriage, sex trafficking and more. More than 40 percent of women who experience violence seek help of any sort or report the crimes, per UN reports. Less than 10 percent of those that seek help go to the police.
Every woman has the right to live a life of safety and free of violence. Here are some strategies to help prevent and tackle violence against women in the community:
Be a positive bystander
As a member of the community, it is our duty to speak up when we see or hear evidence of violence against women. We need to assume the role of a positive bystander, who can intervene in such cases and help prevent sexual assault or violence from happening. The immediate response to these crimes should be contacting the police. If you learn that a friend or a family member may be in an abusive relationship, render your support to them.
Educate yourself
The key to preventing hard-hitting and crucial issues, such as violence against women, is education. Educating yourself is the first line and when you know how it happens, you will be able to comprehend the preventive measures and first steps towards ending the rampant problem. Reading blogs that provide broader definitions and detailed insights about violence against women or being more practical and volunteering at local women's shelters or organizations can help expand your understanding.
Raise awareness
While prevention starts with educating yourself, the next step would be raising awareness and enlightening others. You can educate community members on their responsibility, as well as the role, under international and national human rights laws. Lead by example, speak up about issues of violence against and mistreatment of women. Raise children to respect others and teach them how to treat others. Talk to them about who gets to touch them and where and explain to them the importance of healthy relationships and treating people right. Raise public awareness of the poor conditions that women face, particularly in rural areas.
Trust survivors
When girls and women speak about their experiences with violence, enable them a platform to do so. Violence against women can only be tackled when we give a voice to the victims and respond to their needs.
Challenge attitudes and norms
Violence against women relies heavily on traditional and outdated mindsets. It is important to do away with the ideals linking masculinity to the provider role, and macho behavior to violence. On the other hand challenged the ideas linking femininity to chastity, submissive roles and victimization. Furthermore, sensitize the public to the ramifications of early and forced marriages, while highlighting the importance of girls' education and women's participation in economic development. Also, encourage women to participate in the political process and educate the public about the value of women's votes.
Empower women and girls
Strengthen women's ability to earn money and support households by providing vocational training for women. Promote peaceful resolutions of community disputes by including the perspectives and opinions of women and girls. Make efforts to increase sexual and reproductive health rights for women that are crucial for preventing violence against women. These include promoting and protecting women's right to have control and decide on matters related to their sexuality, sexual productive health, family-planning etc.
Include both men and women
Incorporate both men and women as agents of change. The need of the hour is to first transform the perception of norms and gender revolving around masculinity and then bring men into the narrative to work to eradicate violence against women.
Anti-violence policies
Learn about the anti-violence policies enacted and in use. Ask about bystander intervention training programs that may be happening on campus or at work. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is one landmark legislation that has sought to improve criminal justice and community-based response to violence against women including domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in the US.
If anything you read here makes you want to talk to someone, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing may use TTY 1-800-787-3224. Additionally, advocates who are Deaf are available 24/7 through the National Deaf Hotline by video phone at 1-855-812-1001, Instant Messenger (DeafHotline), or email (nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org). If it's not safe for you to call, you can use a live chat service here.