Violence Against Women: A Crisis Society Can No Longer Ignore.

Violence Against Women: A Crisis Society Can No Longer Ignore

Violence against women is one of the gravest human rights issues in the modern world. It exists across nations, religions, cultures, and economic classes. From domestic abuse and sexual violence to cyber harassment and trafficking, millions of women continue to face fear and insecurity in their daily lives. Despite advances in education, technology, and law, safety and dignity remain distant dreams for many women and girls.

What makes this issue even more alarming is that much of the violence happens within homes, workplaces, educational institutions, and online spaces where women should feel secure. Many cases go unreported due to fear, social stigma, victim blaming, financial dependence, or lack of legal support. Violence not only harms individuals physically and emotionally, but also weakens families, communities, and the progress of society itself.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.

The UN Women reports that around 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed in 2023, many by intimate partners or family members.

Every day, approximately 137 women across the world are killed by a member of their own family.

Millions of women face domestic violence, yet a large percentage never seek help from police or support organizations.

Cyber crimes targeting women, including stalking, bullying, deepfake abuse, and online threats, have increased sharply in recent years.

Child marriage, trafficking, honor crimes, and workplace harassment continue to affect women in several countries despite stronger laws.

Society Must Act

A society cannot call itself progressive if women live in fear. Laws alone are not enough; awareness, education, respect, and collective responsibility are equally important. Families, schools, media, governments, and communities all have a role in creating a safer environment for women.

Women should not have to fight every day for basic safety and dignity. Respect for women is not just a women’s issue, it is the foundation of a civilized society.

What are the main causes behind increasing violence against women?

Are laws strong enough, or is implementation the real problem?

How can society make women feel safer in public and online spaces?

What role should education and media play in changing mindsets?

Helpline---

National Commission for Women has set up a dedicated round the clock (24 x 7) Helpline number (+91-7827170170) for women in distress. The website for the helpline is www.ncwwomenhelpline.in.

181 Women Helpline (WHL) is a 24-hour confidential service for women and child survivors and victims of any form of violence including domestic & intimate partner. The multi-channel helpline is available through dialing 181, email, and through online chatting. All calls are free and confidential.

Other Helplines

NUMBER SECTION
1073 Road Accident
1098 Child Helpline
1091 Women Helpline
1950 Voters Help Line

Don't stress; don't hesitate to reach out for help. Every life is precious and worth living.

Again, you bring a very important subject, dear.

Violence against women always existed yet it gets more and more known through the multiplied information channels. That is good but it won't change the roots of the problem which are many.

One of the main problems is that women far too often are the enemies of other women.

Another major problem is the sexuality of men.

And the third big problem (imo) is the way girls/women look at themselves through a false kind of education.

It is very difficult to change the education a girl gets at home... basically parents would need to prepare themselves through psychologic/sociological courses how the demeanour at home could/would shape the self-awareness of their children focusing on girls and boys - from the moment kids are in an age where the own process of self-awareness starts (a bit over a year old).

It would be a start although it may take two generations (or even more) to bear clearly positive fruits.

There are many more examples I could present as methods to change thinking and behaviour in a positive way but that would be quite an essay - too long for my first comment

Originally posted by: Clochette

Again, you bring a very important subject, dear.

Violence against women always existed, yet it gets more and more known through the multiplied information channels. That is good but it won't change the roots of the problem which are many.

One of the main problems is that women far too often are the enemies of other women.

Another major problem is the sexuality of men.

And the third big problem (imo) is the way girls/women look at themselves through a false kind of education.

It is very difficult to change the education a girl gets at home... basically parents would need to prepare themselves through psychologic/sociological courses how the demeanour at home could/would shape the self-awareness of their children focusing on girls and boys - from the moment kids are in an age where the own process of self-awareness starts (a bit over a year old).

It would be a start although it may take two generations (or even more) to bear clearly positive fruits.

There are many more examples I could present as methods to change thinking and behaviour in a positive way but that would be quite an essay - too long for my first comment

Just to add: the courses should be gratuit and open to every adult age. We had some in Germany with the name: strong parents - strong children.

It is a parent course program of child protection groups aiming to strengthen the educational skills, to promote violence-free education and to improve the communication in the family. The focus is on violence-free communication, setting of boundaries and mutual respect. It also helps to strengthen the self-confidence of parents (very important, imo) and promotes the resilience of children.

It's n o t one of the usual education-guides, it's a course where also parents learn about themselves...

Ha ha... I could go on and on

One of the crucial points is the sexual education - at home and in school which largely depends on the way parents and teachers deal with this subject because of their own education (this is, btw, also part of the course). The sexual awareness/gender awareness starts quite early (from 2 years on) and often adults don't know how to react to some things kids find natural but don't fit in moral/social norms... it isn't easy to find the balance between allowing and not allowing and to educate a kid on this field if one has problems to express it... however, the latter, one can learn - that's why those courses/informal roundtables are so important.

Originally posted by: Clochette

Ha ha... I could go on and on

One of the crucial points is the sexual education - at home and in school which largely depends on the way parents and teachers deal with this subject because of their own education (this is, btw, also part of the course). The sexual awareness/gender awareness starts quite early (from 2 years on) and often adults don't know how to react to some things kids find natural but don't fit in moral/social norms... it isn't easy to find the balance between allowing and not allowing and to educate a kid on this field if one has problems to express it... however, the latter, one can learn - that's why those courses/informal roundtables are so important.

The outdated mindset that a man has the right to take whatever he wants simply because he is male must be completely removed from society's casual mindset. Respect, understanding, and mutual consent should become the foundation of every relationship. If these values are taught early, many girls can be protected from harassment, abuse, and violence.

What I appreciate most is that at least someone is genuinely thinking about the issue, struggles faced by girls and women worldwide, and is not just discussing the issue but also searching for practical solutions. Your eagerness to create awareness and bring positive change is truly commendable.

Let us speak, let us make people think, let us encourage hearts to feel and minds to change. Even a small positive response can become the beginning of a better tomorrow.

If we can bring hope to even one life, our efforts are worth it. Doing good is not just a choice; it is our duty, our responsibility, and also our right as human beings. Let us stand together, spread awareness, and create the change we wish to see in society.

Great topic

We are fortunate to have many creative minds among us who consistently try to educate, inspire, and motivate women to stand strong during difficult times. I recently watched a powerful video by Koeli on this very subject. I need to search for it again and, of course, take her permission before posting it here.

I must say, the message in that video was deeply inspiring and thought-provoking. Content like this deserves to be seen, discussed, and appreciated in this contest, because it not only raises awareness but also gives courage and confidence to many women who may be silently struggling.

Great topic. And good points raised by you all