The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women was issued by the UN General Assembly in 1993. It defines violence against women as “any 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, whether occurring in public or in private life.”
Nearly 1 in 3 women are abused during their lifetime. Less than 40% of those will admit to that abuse and get help. November 25 starts a 16 day campaign to inform but also to work towards a future in which girls and women do not have to face gender-based violence. The campaign ends on December 10 – International Human Rights Day.
This year’s theme is Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now! All of us can contribute to a better and safer world; check the UN website for some ideas on how you can help to end violence against women.