Spotlight the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Did you know that November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women? Formalized by a U.N. resolution in 1999, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is critical for raising awareness in 2021. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data, and reports about violence against women is painful to comprehend. During the pandemic worldwide, all types of gender-based violence have intensified. In particular, the surge in domestic violence is a terrifying reality.
Since the official recognition of the observance, the goal of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is to raise awareness. Indeed, people need to know that such violence happens daily. Indeed, everyday women are subject to rape, domestic violence, and other forms of brutality. Thus, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) believes integrated healthcare services must prioritize the prevention of such violence and the raising of greater awareness.
Violence Against Women Equals the Shadow Pandemic
In 2021, it is a necessity to spotlight the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. From the perspective of the United Nations, gender-based violence is the Shadow Pandemic that lurks in the shadows of the COVID-19 crisis. Thus, there needs to be a global collective effort to stop it. During the COVID-19 crisis, both domestic violence shelters reached capacity and helplines were flooded with calls. Amid the post-COVID-19 response and ongoing recovery efforts, stopping violence against women is a priority.
Historically, Latin America is the region where efforts began to mark this critical day of observance. Indeed, November 25th marks the date of the 1960 assassination of the three Mirabal sisters in the Dominican Republic. Political activists fighting for freedom and against tyranny, their killings were ordered by Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo (1930–1961). In 1981, activists at the Latin American and Caribbean Feminist Encuentros chose November 25th as a day to combat violence against women by raising awareness.
The UNiTE Campaign to End Violence Against Women
With a goal of turning the observance into action, the UN Secretary-General started the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign. As an international effort, the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign is a multi-year project. It hopes to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls by raising awareness.
As a multinational project, the campaign“will focus on amplifying the call for global action tobridge funding gaps, ensure essential services for survivors of violence during the COVID-19 crisis, focus on prevention, and collection of data that can improve life-saving services for women and girls.”
Therefore, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women marks the launch of sixteen days of activism. Concluding on December 10th, which is International Human Rights Day, the goal is to connect gender-based violence to the umbrella cause. Ultimately, the same goal defines human rights and women’s rights. Without question, everyone has the right to live in a world without targeted violence. Indeed, fighting such violence against vulnerable populations reflects the passion of the Mirabel Sisters.
Violence Against Women Targets Vulnerable Populations
As any healthcare provider knows, gender-based violence happens to all types of women in a multitude of contexts. However, certain women and girls are particularly vulnerable. For example, young girls and older women, ethnic minorities, or women and girls living with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and disabilities are particularly vulnerable. Moreover, women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or intersex also share this vulnerability.
Given this reality, Tarzana Treatment Centers believes that vulnerable populations need to be protected and prioritized. Moreover, as a provider of Integrated Recovery Services, TTC also sees how women with substance use disorders or struggling with mental health issues are highly vulnerable as well. Thus, healing and recovery begins with safety and protection.
Tarzana Treatment Centers is Here to Help
Without question, such violence often results in a mental health crisis due to the traumatic impact. Moreover, to escape the pain of this trauma, many women self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
If you need help to treat such an ordeal, the clinical team at Tarzana Treatment Centers is ready and willing. Please contact us today to access the support you need to not only survive but also thrive.