Trekking the city streets of Chicago, one can easily get lost in the world of fast-paced business. Day in day out, the illusion of safety prevails. It is easy to forget that not every woman is so lucky as to be living and working in a life free from violence. In fact, 1 in 5 women are touched by some sort of domestic violence.
Violence against women affects millions each year and oftentimes is inflicted by a family member, friend, or close acquaintance. While there are instances of violent acts being reported, publicized, tried, or stopped, far too many women are paralyzed by fear and shame to speak up. Only half the acts of domestic violence are reported to the police.
In a 10-country study on women's health and domestic violence conducted by the World Health Organization,
o Between 15% and 71% of women reported physical or sexual violence by a husband or partner.
o Many women said that their first sexual experience was not consensual. (24% in rural Peru, 28% in Tanzania, 30% in rural Bangladesh, and 40% in South Africa).
o Between 4% and 12% of women reported being physically abused during pregnancy.
Other statistics include the following alarming facts:
• Every year, family members in the name of honor murder about 5,000 women each year worldwide.
• Trafficking of women and girls for forced labor and sex is widespread and often affects the most vulnerable. The United Nations estimates that 4 million women and girls are trafficked annually.
• Forced marriages and child marriages violate the human rights of women and girls, yet they are widely practiced in many countries in Asia, the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.
• Up to one in five women and one in 10 men report experiencing sexual abuse as children. Children subjected to sexual abuse are much more likely to encounter other forms of abuse later in life.
While much of the study conducted by the World Health Organization highlights the abuses endured by women in poor countries or countries in war, it is crucial to remember that this problem exists worldwide. Even in first world countries such as the United States, gender violence is epidemic. According to the Family Violence Interventions for the Justice System, boys who witness their fathers' violence are 10 times more likely to engage in spousal abuse in later adulthood than boys from non-violent homes.
If you are interested in learning more about this global pandemic, consider attending Women of the World’s next event “Violence Against Women- Shout it Out & Stop it Now.” Our esteemed panelists will present an overview on violence as a cultural legacy, the short and long term health ramifications, the legal rights of violated women and the educational awareness programs. Support the prevention and awareness of violence against women and register today: http://womenwotw.org/events.php
Violence against women affects millions each year and oftentimes is inflicted by a family member, friend, or close acquaintance. While there are instances of violent acts being reported, publicized, tried, or stopped, far too many women are paralyzed by fear and shame to speak up. Only half the acts of domestic violence are reported to the police.
In a 10-country study on women's health and domestic violence conducted by the World Health Organization,
o Between 15% and 71% of women reported physical or sexual violence by a husband or partner.
o Many women said that their first sexual experience was not consensual. (24% in rural Peru, 28% in Tanzania, 30% in rural Bangladesh, and 40% in South Africa).
o Between 4% and 12% of women reported being physically abused during pregnancy.
Other statistics include the following alarming facts:
• Every year, family members in the name of honor murder about 5,000 women each year worldwide.
• Trafficking of women and girls for forced labor and sex is widespread and often affects the most vulnerable. The United Nations estimates that 4 million women and girls are trafficked annually.
• Forced marriages and child marriages violate the human rights of women and girls, yet they are widely practiced in many countries in Asia, the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.
• Up to one in five women and one in 10 men report experiencing sexual abuse as children. Children subjected to sexual abuse are much more likely to encounter other forms of abuse later in life.
While much of the study conducted by the World Health Organization highlights the abuses endured by women in poor countries or countries in war, it is crucial to remember that this problem exists worldwide. Even in first world countries such as the United States, gender violence is epidemic. According to the Family Violence Interventions for the Justice System, boys who witness their fathers' violence are 10 times more likely to engage in spousal abuse in later adulthood than boys from non-violent homes.
If you are interested in learning more about this global pandemic, consider attending Women of the World’s next event “Violence Against Women- Shout it Out & Stop it Now.” Our esteemed panelists will present an overview on violence as a cultural legacy, the short and long term health ramifications, the legal rights of violated women and the educational awareness programs. Support the prevention and awareness of violence against women and register today: http://womenwotw.org/events.php
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