November 25th observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism, a sombre and yet energised global call to action to end gender-based violence. This year's theme, UNiTE to End Violence Against Women, emphasises the importance of collective action in creating a world free from violence for women and girls. Violence against women and girls covers a wide range of abuse that affects more women and girls than men and boys and is disproportionately perpetrated by men. These forms of abuse include domestic homicide, domestic abuse, sexual assault, abuse experienced as a child, female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage and harassment in work and public life, and manifest in many ways both globally and in the UK.
There has been a noticeable rise in online misogyny, amplified by figures like Andrew Tate. This rhetoric which promotes male dominance and objectification of women contributes to a culture of disrespect, where young people are encouraged to view women as inferior or as objects to be controlled. This fosters an environment where girls and women may feel unsafe, disrespected, or undervalued. The spread of these toxic ideas has manifested in reports of increased harassment of women and girls by men and boys, in both virtual and real-world spaces, resulting in mental and physical harm. The impact is not just on individual girls, but on society as a whole, hindering progress toward gender equity.
Domestic abuse or intimate partner violence is a global issue which has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as a major public health problem. In the UK, it is estimated that the prevalence rate of domestic abuse is approximately 22 per 100 adults, equating to 10.4 million adults in England and Wales. According to the Femicide Census, over the decade between 2010 and 2020, 1,924 women were killed by men, an average of one woman killed every 2.7 days. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 made coercive and controlling behaviour a criminal offence, acknowledging that the impact of non-physical abuse is often as harmful as physical violence. Almost all those convicted for controlling or coercive behaviour in England and Wales in the year ending March 2023 were male – 553 out of 566 (97.7%).
However, the disproportionate burden of violence against women is shouldered by those living in or originating from areas of humanitarian crisis. Economic instability coupled with breakdowns in the rule of law and social support programmes foster high-stress environments that allow violence against women to escalate. A study conducted across European reception asylum facilities in seven EU countries found that 50% of female residents reported at least one case of gender-based violence in the preceding year, though these rates are likely underestimated. Perpetrators are often men in positions of authority over victims, such as law enforcement officials, border police, asylum personnel, and smugglers facilitating travel across national borders. With the number of people displaced due to civil unrest and natural disasters worldwide reaching a staggering 117.3 million in 2023, alongside deteriorating humanitarian situations in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, there is an urgent need to address the threats of violence to female refugees and those who continue to live in active conflict zones.
For too long, such violence has been accepted as a cultural norm. Yet the evidence now shows that violence against women and girls continues to be a leading cause of injury, trauma, and death worldwide, affecting women and girls of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This is a public health crisis that requires our urgent attention, leadership, and commitment.
Male violence against women is preventable. In recent years, the evidence demonstrating the epidemic scale of violence has moved those in power to act. The UN-led International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women continues to raise awareness and galvanise action to end this epidemic of violence. The UK government published their Tackling Violence against Women and Girls Strategy in 2021, setting out a multi-agency framework to address this crisis. In the FPH, the Global Violence Prevention and the Health of Women & Girls special interest groups continue in our work of highlighting and promoting the prioritisation of this important public health issue in our local and national practice. Over the upcoming 16 days of action, we urge you to support the UniTE 2024 campaign and:
- Be an Ally: Stand against VAWG by participating in local activities, advocating for survivors, and educating others about the importance of ending violence against women and girls.
- Speak Out: Use your voice to challenge harmful norms and support survivors in your community.
- Engage in Advocacy: Participate in campaigns and initiatives that push for stronger laws, better enforcement, and more resources to end VAWG.
If you are experiencing domestic or gender-based violence and abuse, you can find guidance and advice for getting support here.
