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NNEDV Recognizes International Effort to End Violence Against Women

Washington, D.C. – The National Network to End Domestic Violence today recognized Wednesday, November 25th as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a day designated by the United Nations and known worldwide.  November 25th also marks the launch of the 19th international “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence,” a campaign that runs from the 25th through International Human Rights Day. 

“Women around the world are the very linchpin keeping families, communities, and nations together,” U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said. “In every country, women and girls continue to be plagued by violence, causing tremendous suffering. Such violence undermines development, generates instability, and makes peace that much harder to achieve.” 

“I urge members of the public to take action to end violence against women today and every day,” said Sue Else, president of the National Network to End Domestic Violence.  “Domestic and sexual violence affects us all – women, men and children – and we all must be part of the solution.” 

According to the National Institute of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 2.3 million Americans are raped or physically assault by a current or former intimate partner each year.  One in four women will experience intimate partner abuse at some point in their lives.  The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that, on average, more than three women are murdered every day by their current or former husbands or boyfriends.   

The National Network to End Domestic Violence found that domestic violence programs served nearly 61,000 survivors in one day alone.  In the same 24-hour period, nearly 9,000 requests for help went unmet largely due to lack of funding.   

“Domestic violence runs rampant in America and throughout the world,” said Else. “Let us renew our efforts to serve survivors of abuse and hold perpetrators accountable.  Everyone can do something to help during this critical time,” Else said.   

Learn more here:  http://www.nnedv.org/component/content/article/347-intldayvaw.html.