The “Zonta Says No To Violence Against Women” (aka “Zonta Says NO!”) campaign includes the 16 days of November 25 through December 10, respectively the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Day and Human Rights Day. The focus of the campaign is on actions to raise awareness and prevent violence against women and girls.
We will be running three articles during the campaign and this is the second in the series.
Day 7 – December 1
Violence against women and girls is a severe violation of human rights and it not only negatively affects women; it also affects their families, communities, and countries around the world. Gender-based violence continues to be a widespread problem in the U.S. with devastating consequences. In the U.S., one in three girls is a victim of physical, verbal, or emotional abuse, one in four women will experience domestic violence, and more than three women are murdered by their partners every day. This can be intimate partner violence, with psychological, physical, and sexual violence. Child marriage, female genital mutilation and human trafficking are other forms of violence against women and girls.
Day 8 – December 2
Intimate partner violence (IPV) including Teen Dating Violence (TDV)]
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship.
“Intimate partner” refers to both current and former spouses and dating partners.
Teen dating violence (TDV) is a type of intimate partner violence. It occurs between two people in a close relationship and is also referred to as, “dating violence”. This can take place in person or electronically, such as repeated texting or posting sexual pictures of a partner online without consent. Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship—but these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. Many teens do not report these behaviors as they are afraid to tell family and friends.
Both IPV and TDV can vary in how often it happens and how severe it is. It can range from one episode of violence that could have lasting impact to chronic and severe episodes over multiple years. Either includes four types of behavior:
Day 9 – December 3
- Psychological violence or aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another person mentally or emotionally and/or to exert control over another person. It is any intentional conduct that seriously impairs another person’s psychological integrity through coercion or threats. Psychological violence can take the form of, for example, coercion, defamation, verbal insult, or harassment.
Day 10 – December 4
- Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim.
- Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.
Day 11 – December 5
- Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching, or a non-physical sexual event (e.g., sexting) when the partner does not or cannot consent. Sexual violence affects millions of people each year in the U.S. Researchers know the numbers underestimate this significant problem as many cases go unreported. Victims may be ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to tell the police, friends, or family. Victims may also keep quiet because they have been threatened with further harm if they tell or do not think that anyone will help. Still, available data shows:
Sexual violence is common. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes.
Sexual violence starts early. 1 in 3 female rape victims experienced it for the first time between 11-17 years old and 1 in 8 reported that it occurred before age 10. Nearly 1 in 4 male rape victims experienced it for the first time between 11-17 years old and about 1 in 4 reported that it occurred before age 10.
Sexual violence is costly. Recent estimates put the cost of rape at $122,461 per victim, including medical costs, lost productivity, criminal justice activities, and other costs.
This coming weekend, watch for the third article in this series for information on the work of Zonta,
both internationally and locally.