International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25th November) – Standing Together To Support Survivors
Violence against women and girls is a pervasive human rights violation that knows no borders. According to UN Women, one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence, most often by an intimate partner. This abuse has devastating impacts, not only on individuals but also on families and communities. The trauma of violence can lead to long-term psychological, emotional, and physical harm, as well as limit opportunities for education, employment, and social inclusion.
In the UK alone, domestic abuse accounts for 16% of all recorded crime, with over 1.6 million women experiencing domestic abuse annually. This day serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of gender-based violence and provide robust support systems for those affected.
Survivors of violence, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and childhood trauma, often turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings of shame, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This behaviour is sometimes referred to as “self-medicating” and can create a dangerous cycle where substance use exacerbates mental health issues and physical harm.
In the UK, women experiencing domestic violence are twice as likely to develop alcohol dependency compared to women who have not faced abuse.
At The Forward Trust, we provide services for women in the community and in prison settings to help with drug and alcohol use, to break the cycles of addiction. In 2023, we launched our first Domestic Abuse Strategy as part of our ongoing efforts to protect staff and service users from gender-based violence, which was originally an initiative set up by our ForWomen Employee Resource Group (ERG).
While November 25th marks a significant day of awareness, our commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls must extend beyond a single date. By fostering a culture of respect, equality, and accountability, we can create a world where women and girls live free from fear and violence.
Join us this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women as we stand together to support survivors, challenge societal norms, and build a safer, more equitable future for all.