Violence Against Women

November 25 marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. There are
a variety of resources for information on the topic of violence against women that can help you increase
awareness and take action.

Violence against women takes many forms; domestic violence, trafficking, female genital mutilation and violence during conflict, but the list doesn’t end there. The price paid for this violence is astonishing. According to the United Nations, the cost of intimate partner violence in the United States alone exceeds US$5.8 billion per year: US$4.1 billion is for direct medical and health care services, while productivity losses account for nearly US$1.8 billion. They also note that in Uganda, where Zonta International supported a project aimed at the elimination of burns violence against women, the cost of domestic violence was estimated at US$2.5 million in 2007.

UN Women’s statistics state that in Australia, violence against women and children costs an estimated US$11.38 billion per year.  The Council of Europe’s website for their Campaign To Combat Violence Against Women, Including Domestic Violence, suggests that one-fifth to one quarter of all women have experienced physical violence at least once during their adult lives, and more than one-tenth have suffered sexual violence involving the use of force. These staggering statistics make it clear that efforts need to continue in the fight to end violence against women.

Resources for information on violence against women:

Council of Europe

United Nations

World Health Organization

UN Women