Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls
1 in 3 women worldwide experience physical or sexual abuse, usually by a partner.
Therefore, the United Nations general assembly designated the 25th of November to raise awareness and end gender-based violence: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
1 in 4 young girls (15-19 years old) who have had an intimate relationship have experienced physical or sexual violence from their partner. Therefore, it should not just be about 'protecting daughters', but educating sons. Domestic abuse against women is only increasing more and more every year. This is a human rights violation and results in long term physical, sexual and mental consequences for women, thus a collective effort is required to help end the violence.
How can we be better advocates?
- Let women speak and listen to their perspectives
- Treat women as professionals
- Don’t tolerate sexism or abuse, and challenge it
- Support women in crisis and engage in supportive partnerships
- Advocate for women’s rights and gender suitable policies in the workplace
- Educate yourself and others
Taking action
From today (25 November) we will be offering free drug testing kits from the JMSU Reception in the Student Life Building, so students can feel and stay safe on nights out. We hope to shed light on the dangers of spiking in the city and hope these tests will prevent/highlight spiking incidents. We also hope to empower women to claim back their independence and right to go out. Victim blaming is never the answer, we should instead be providing the tools for everyone to learn and create allyship between women and men so gender based violence can end. We also have urine testing kits available, if you think you have been spiked.
JMSU also has multiple student-led societies available to join such as the feminist society, LJMU survivors and the women’s student community. These student-led groups offer a support system of people who may have experienced similar situations and provide a safe and non-judgmental community for those who may need someone to talk to.
Our resources
There are so many services available if you are a victim of abuse or violence. The university has mental health and counselling services available, or you can email, phone, or visit the student advice and wellbeing team at the Student Life Building if you need someone to speak to for guidance or support. JMSU also have an impartial and confidential Advice Team where you can book appointments with advisors or email for confidential support.
External services
Externally, refuge is a national domestic abuse helpline for women and children, and they offer a variety of services ranging from legal help to housing assistance. Their mission is to help people overcome the impacts of abuse and live a fear-free life. Similarly, Rape crisis England and Wales is a service specifically for victims of sexual violence. You can contact anonymously by either phone or online chat to get specialist information and support
RASA Merseyside are also hosting a competition, aiming to post an entry every day from the 25th of November to the 10th of December as these are the 16 Days of Activism to end gender-based violence. Entries are to be sent with your name and contact details to janet.bunn@rasamerseyside.org. You can also request for your work to be anonymously published if that is something you prefer.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 outlines the following behaviours as abuse:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Controlling behaviour
- Economic abuse
- Psychological, emotional, or other abuse
If you or someone you know is being abused, please reach out to the right services to get help or support, as your wellbeing is a priority to us, and you are never alone. You can find out more on our Advice page for guidance or get in touch with us for support.
