Why we must eliminate violence against women
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.
In general terms, it manifests itself in physical, sexual and psychological forms, encompassing:
- intimate partner violence (battering, psychological abuse, marital rape, femicide);
- sexual violence and harassment (rape, forced sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, street harassment, stalking, cyber- harassment);
- human trafficking (slavery, sexual exploitation);
- female genital mutilation; and
- child marriage.
“Violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights, and has no place in the European Union, or anywhere else in the world.
The scale of the problem remains alarming: one in three women in the European Union have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. Violence against women exists in every country, culture and community. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown once more that for some women not even their home is a safe place.
Figures show that violence against women and children has increased since COVID-19 lockdown measures started. Some Member States have introduced gender-sensitive response measures, such as special alert mechanisms in pharmacies, to protect women and children from all forms of violence. We urge all Member States to develop and implement such measures.
Change is possible, but it requires action, commitment and determination. The EU is committed to continue to work tirelessly with its partners to investigate and punish acts of violence, ensure support for victims, and at the same time to address the root causes and reinforce the legal framework. Through our Spotlight Initiative we are already fighting violence against women and girls, in 26 countries across the globe. This week we will present a new Action Plan on gender equality and women and girl's empowerment in our external actions. We also call on Member States to ratify the Istanbul Convention - the first legally binding instrument at the international level to combat violence against women and domestic violence.
Our goal is very clear: to end all forms of violence against women and girls. We owe it to all the victims.”
Statement issued by the European Commission and High Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell
The Shadow Pandemic: Violence against women during COVID-19
Violence against women and girls is a widespread and devastating human rights violation that takes place across the globe. The World Health Organisation estimates that one third of women and girls worldwide experience violence at some point in their live. These numbers are only the tip of the iceberg, as this type of violence remains largely unreported due to the stigma and shame surrounding. As a result, many perpetrators remain unpunished.
SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Watch this video.
YouTube makeup star Lauren Luke, a UK personality with almost half a million subscribers and more than 125 million video views, took a break from her regular tips on covering up in her latest video. The self-taught makeup artist encourages teen girls and women not to hide evidence of domestic abuse in her latest post, "How to look your best the morning after."
"Behind the Wall" by Tracy Chapman
Every night the neighbour in this 1987 pop song hears the screaming and loud voices in the adjoining apartment. From experience, she has learned that it's pointless to call the police because nothing will be done.
Not being able to help makes her feel victimized as well:
And when they arrive
They say they can't interfere
With domestic affairs
Between a man and his wife
And as they walk out the door
The tears well up in her eyes.
The push and pull of a mutually addictive, brutal relationship—that's what this 2009 song is about. And the artists who sing it should know a thing or two about the topic, as they've each been involved in toxic love affairs. The international chart-topper depicts the cycle of violent aggression between lovers, the lies that it will never happen again, and the justifications for not walking away from the unhealthy relationship.
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