MORE than 35 percent of women worldwide have experienced either physical or sexual partner violence or non-partner sexual violence, this, from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2013 global and regional estimates of violence against women (VAW).
This type of violence includes intimate partner violence, child abuse and neglect, bullying, teen dating violence, trafficking, and elder abuse, according to the WHO and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. It also includes coercion, economic abuse, and deprivation of liberty.
Violence against women is a human rights violation. While some victims are able to pick up the pieces after an abusive act or a series of abuses, many victims suffer from one or more of the following: Depression, drug/alcohol/gambling addiction, unwanted pregnancy, poor academic/work performance, breakdown in family relations, and other problems. Things become more complicated and burdensome for the victims who do not often have the courage to speak up and seek help. Their traumatic experience and its effects should convince us to help prevent VAW wherever we are.
Some abuses have been going on for months and years. Imagine the trauma and heartache of victims, many of whom feel helpless. There are those who do not even realize that they are being abused. You can help prevent abuses by using social media to empower women and girls. “Knowledge is power”!
Preventing violence against women is not just a personal thing. Multi-sectoral collaboration is needed.
Infant/child protection must be emphasized. Teen-age parents must be properly guided in child-rearing. Strategies must be followed to keep the homes, shops, schools, buildings, and streets safe for women, girls, and the elderly.
The warning signs of abuse must be taught to everyone, especially to women and girls. A carefully prepared, reviewed, and approved sourcebook on teaching children about sex education and prevention of violence is needed. (Monitoring its use is important.) A culture of respect must be promoted. Women must be given access to health, education and employment. Discrimination must be discouraged.
Your help is needed.
