Many of the partner organizations of terre des hommes schweiz have been dealing with the problem of gender-based violence (GBV) for years. In Africa, more than one in three women suffer violent assaults. However, it is not only women from countries in the South who struggle with this phenomenon. The annual “16 days against violence against women” campaign draws attention to this problem and its consequences.
In June, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a new report on violence against women. This first systematic global survey came to alarming results: Sexual and other physical violence is used against women much more frequently than previously suspected. Around 35% of all women worldwide (including Switzerland) are beaten, raped or violently assaulted.
The analysis showed that most violence against women takes place within partnerships and relationships. In Africa, the proportion of women who experience violence from their partners is 36.6 percent. Worldwide, 38 percent of all murders of women are committed by their partners.
Victims of violence more susceptible to illness
The authors of the study also came to the conclusion that the experience of violence results in a whole spectrum of short-term and long-term health problems. In addition to physical injuries, there are also long-term psychological consequences: Women who have experienced violence are twice as likely to suffer from depression. In addition, traumatic experiences increase the risk of suicide, often lead to eating disorders and promote addictive behaviour.
International campaign “16 days against violence against women”
Many of the partner organizations of terre des hommes schweiz have been dealing with the problem of gender-based violence in their countries for years. This year too, several of our partner organizations will be taking part in the “16 days against violence against women” campaign.
In the period between November 25, the International Day against Violence against Women, and December 10, the International Day of Human Rights, campaigns and events will be held worldwide to call for action against violence against women. This is also the case in Switzerland. Interested parties can find an overview of the events on the website of the Christian Peace Service.
Our partner organizations
Last year, we reported on the campaign of our partner organization LeMuSiCa (support for girls and young women affected by violence):
