Young girls in northeastern Kenya may end up undergoing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). FGM has both immediate and long-term health effects on the girls. Photo © Ann Weru/IRIN
Watch the video: The Girl Effect
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – Statement from the Executive Director [Nov 22 08]
This year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women [25 November 2008] marks a defining moment in the global drive to end violence against women. Fuelled by advocacy and action at the grassroots and national levels, the issue has moved to centre stage at the United Nations. In March 2008 the Secretary-General launched his global campaign, UNiTE to End Violence against Women. Its duration through 2015, the deadline for meeting the MDGs, is a challenge for all of us, governments, civil society as well as the international community to take the actions needed to stop this prevalent human rights violation.
On 19 June 2008, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1820, which recognizes sexual violence in situations of armed conflict as a threat to national and international peace and security. The resolution calls for decisive actions by all involved in the conflict to protect women and girls. It calls on international security institutions to make sure that women participate in all aspects of conflict resolution and peacebuilding to ensure there is redress for crimes. Resolution 1820, combined with resolution 1325, form a powerful platform on which to build effective actions to end impunity for violence against women and ensure women’s participation in all aspects of reconstructing institutions and communities.
This 25 November also marks the culmination of the first phase of UNIFEM’s Say NO to Violence against Women campaign, which is part of the Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women initiative. The overwhelming outpouring of support shows us that there is an ever-growing movement of people who urgently seek solutions to ending violence against women.
Now, we must use this momentum to get governments to implement the laws and policies already in place. Despite the fact that more governments than ever have passed such laws, there is still a wide implementation gap. To protect women from violence, and respond to the needs of survivors, we urge the adoption of accountability frameworks, with minimal standards of protection and response. These provide a checklist against which to assess the degree to which a country is upholding the human rights of women. Among the measures which should be in place are:
- Prompt police response, health and legal services, free of charge, for poor women and girls;
- Shelters and safe options for women surviving or fleeing life-threatening situations;
- National hotlines available 24-hours a day to report abuse and seek protection;
- Basic front-line services for emergency and immediate care for women and girls who have suffered abuse and rape; and
- Accountable judiciary and national action plans to end discrimination and promote equality.
The Secretary-General’s system-wide UNiTE campaign offers a blueprint for implementation and combined action. Partnerships between the United Nations and governments, civil society, the private sector, men and youth, and the religious community show great promise. Between now and 2015 we must all work together to make implementation our top priority.
Inés Alberdi
Executive Director, UNIFEM
UNIFEM is the women’s fund at the United Nations. It provides financial and technical assistance to innovative programmes and strategies to foster women’s empowerment and gender equality. Placing the advancement of women’s human rights at the centre of all of its efforts, UNIFEM focuses its activities on reducing feminized poverty; ending violence against women; reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS among women and girls; and achieving gender equality in democratic governance in times of peace as well as war.
For more information, visit UNIFEM, 304 East 45th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10017. Tel: +1 212 906-6400. Fax: +1 212 906-6705.
ABA Commission on Domestic Violence: Provides facts about domestic violence, important phone numbers, and additional links. http://www.abanet.org/domviol/home.html
Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: A statewide coalition located Juneau. The website features information on safety planning, legal issues, upcoming events, domestic violence and sexual assault. http://www.andvsa.org/
Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse: The Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse is a national resource on issues of domestic and family violence. It provides a central point for the collection and dissemination of Australian domestic and family violence policy, practice and research. The Clearinghouse also provides information on international efforts to end these forms of violence. Website includes publications and research and resource databases. http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/
Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children: The purpose of the Centre is to promote the development of community-centred action research on violence against women and children. The Centre facilitates individuals, groups and institutions representing the diversity of the community to pursue research questions and training opportunities related to the understanding and prevention of abuse. http://www.crvawc.ca/
Child Welfare Information Gateway: Formerly the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families. A service of the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.childwelfare.gov/
Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence: The Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, is a statewide, grassroots, nonprofit organization that has been coordinating services for battered women and their families since 1978. Its mission is “to prevent and eliminate domestic violence in all forms at all levels of society through comprehensive coordination of services, training, and technical assistance, community education, advocacy, action and funding.” http://www.ccadv.org/
Communities Against Rape and Abuse: CARA pushes a broad agenda for liberation and social justice while prioritizing anti-rape work. CARA is spearheaded by survivors of sexual and domestic violence who have led organizing efforts against forced institutionalization of people with disabilities, against racist sterilization abuse of women of color and poor women, and against the alarming criminalization of young people. Organizers and activists demonstrate how these issues are intricately connected to the process of undermining sexual violence. CARA also uses community organizing as a tool to reconnect people to each other with a common goal of building safe, supportive, and accountable communities. Community members participate in support group facilitation training; in-depth dialogue about family/friend-based accountability strategies; and projects that emphasize positive sexuality. http://www.cara-seattle.org/index.html
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Membership organization working to end domestic violence by changing the social conditions, beliefs and social actions that perpetuate abuse against women and children. Website includes links to “About CCADV,” CCADV initiatives, what is dv?, services in Connecticut, safety planning, dating violence, and other links. http://www.ctcadv.org/
Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence: Educates and aids in the prevention of partner violence. The alliance was founded on the belief that through the workplace the corporate community can make a significant contribution to ending and preventing partner violence. http://www.caepv.org/
Darlington Domestic Violence Forum: Organization works to bring agencies together to prevent domestic violence in Darlington, England. Offers training to professional groups & voluntary organisations. Website gives crisis resources/information, links, personal safety information, and legal help. http://ddaf.darlington.org.uk/default.htm
Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Member organization striving to create an environment in which those victimized by domestic violence become empowered. The Coalition also seeks to eliminate the institutional and personal abuse of power that creates the conditions under which domestic violence is condoned. Website also includes information about DCADV membership, calendar of events, resources and referrals, and links. http://www.dcadv.org/
District of Columbia Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Coalition coordinates advocacy, direct service, education, research, and training for the D.C. area. Website includes crisis resource information. http://www.dccadv.org/
Family Peace Project: This Project aims to educate medical students to identify, treat and prevent partner violence. http://www.family.mcw.edu/d_FamilyPeace.htm
Family Violence : In the Spotlight: Family violence, including child physical and sexual abuse, child neglect and maltreatment, intimate partner violence, and elder abuse, takes place in homes across the country every day. Exposure to such violence has a devastating impact on both children and adults in those households and communities, whether they are direct victims of abuse or witnesses to it. Children exposed to such violence at an early age are likely to become either perpetrators of abuse or victims of violence in adulthood. In May 2000, the Bureau of Justice Statistics published a report based on data from the 1993-1998 National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). The NCVS gathers data about crimes using an ongoing, nationally representative sample of households in the United States. This Special Report found that, between 1993 and 1998, the average number of victims of intimate partner violence who lived with children under the age of 12 was 459,590 (Intimate Partner Violence, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2000). This report paints a daunting picture for the future of our children, even if only one child in each of those households is exposed to violence.
Family Violence Prevention Fund: FVPF is a national non-profit organization that focuses on domestic violence education, prevention and public policy reform. From their website you can sign up for an electronic newsletter, and read about battered immigrant women, economic independence, and the health care impact. With the California Department of Health, FVPF has co-sponsored an unprecedented new TV campaign with the goal of stopping domestic violence and helping battered women. http://endabuse.org/
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence: FCADV serves as the professional association for Florida’s 38 domestic violence centers. FCADV works towards ending violence through public awareness, policy development, and support for Florida’s domestic violence centers. Website includes information about projects, centers, training and events, about FCADV, 2002 Legislation, DV and elders, and more. http://www.fcadv.org/
Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance: Includes links of interest to crime victims and advocates. Sidebar links include Get Help, Find Information!, Idaho Programs for Crime Victims, National Programs for Crime Victims, Idaho News, Events, Forum and more. http://www2.state.id.us/crimevictim/
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence: A membership organization providing statewide training of service providers working with victims of domestic violence, information and referral to local resources, technical assistance to domestic violence programs statewide, public education materials, lending library, and implementing public policy. Website includes Illinois domestic violence program information, Internet safety tips, statistics, and links to the above mentioned programs. http://www.ilcadv.org/
Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Resource Center: ICADV is committed to the elimination of domestic violence through: providing public awareness and education; advocating for systemic and societal change; influencing public policy and allocation of resources; educating and strengthening coalition members; and, promoting the availability of comprehensive services. http://www.violenceresource.org/
Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community: Interdisciplinary organization seeking to prevent and reduce family violence in the African American community. Website includes extensive bibliographies and pages of links. http://www.dvinstitute.org/
Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Member organization encouraging excellence in service through support to member projects, accountability for the quality of services, and the development of model policies and practices. Website links to domestic violence services in Iowa, common questions, resources for teens, and more. http://www.icadv.org/
Kentucky Domestic Violence Association: The KDVA works to provide a strong, statewide voice on behalf of the domestic violence victims and their children by administering state and federal funds to fifteen of Kentucky’s domestic violence programs serving Primary Service Providers in the Area Development Districts, promoting public awareness, operating a Certification Program for domestic violence staff, and among other things, advocating for state legislative initiatives to increase protection to domestic violence victims and their dependent children. http://www.kdva.org/
Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Statewide network of battered women’s programs, supportive organizations, and individuals who share the goal of ending violence against women and children in Louisiana. Website includes links for safety planning for adults, safety planning for kids, what is domestic violence?, Louisiana law, who are your legislators?, statistics, current projects, conference information, links, and batterer intervention. http://www.lcadv.org/
Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence: Member organization that provides services for victims of domestic abuse and their children; public education and school-based prevention programs; training for volunteers, professionals, and others; monitoring of batterers’ intervention programs; development of public policy and supporting legislation that protects and empowers victims of domestic violence and holds perpetrators accountable; and visibility and a voice to groups that have traditionally been silenced. Website includes links for what is domestic violence?, providing help to someone else in need, domestic violence and related services in Maine, and more. http://www.mcedv.org/
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence: Member organization working to end domestic violence. Website includes news, legislative agenda, dv laws, service providers, how to get help, links, statistics, and more. http://www.mnadv.org/
Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence: Jane Doe, Inc.: This website includes information on steps to safety and fact sheets for those who need help. They list an Online State Resource Guide with resources from all over Massachusetts. http://www.janedoe.org/
Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence: The Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) is a statewide membership organization whose members represent a network of over 70 domestic and sexual violence programs and over 200 allied organizations and individuals. We have provided leadership as the statewide voice for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and the programs that serve them since 1978. MCADSV is dedicated to the empowerment of all the state’s survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Our mission is to develop and promote efforts aimed at the elimination of all domestic and sexual violence in Michigan. http://www.mcadsv.org/
Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women: MCBW advocates on behalf of battered women and their children in Minnesota. MCBW also publishes a diverse selection of books, workbooks, posters, manuals and handouts, including the curricula “My Family and Me”, “Violence-Free”, “Kids Workbook on Family Violence” and “Skills for Violence-Free Relationships”. MCBW’s curricula educate children about domestic violence, promote conflict resolution skills, and challenge the social messages that contribute to the acceptance and perpetuation of domestic violence. http://www.mcbw.org/
Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence: Supports and facilitates networking among member organizations while advocating for social and systems change to eliminate sexual and domestic violence in Montana. Website includes links to their programs, publications, task force, calendar, discussions, links, and more. http://www.mcadsv.com/
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) is dedicated to the empowerment of battered women and their children and to the elimination of personal and societal violence in the lives of women and their children. Web site includes extensive list of web resources. http://www.ncadv.org/
Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence: A statewide organization providing a resource library and technical assistance to communities in Nevada developing domestic violence programs. The website includes resources lists and legal protection information. http://www.nnadv.org/
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault: Statewide network of 14 member programs committed to ending domestic and sexual violence. Their website offers a listing of support services available in New Hampshire and several fact sheets on domestic and sexual violence. http://www.nhcadsv.org/
New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women: Website includes information on getting help and services available throughout New Jersey, FAQ’s and statistics, a newsletter, legistation, certification, training and conferences, publications, sites and resources, and more. http://www.njcbw.org/
North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence: A community of agencies and individuals who share in the work of providing services to battered women and their children. Website includes links to Stop Family Violence, annual report, confidentiality in website visits, domestic awareness month, dv service providers, links to other websites, handouts, resource library, silent witness program, and more. http://www.nccadv.org/
North Dakota Council on Abused Women Services: NDCAWS continues to seek legislation, policy, and systems changes to promote victim safety and offender accountability. Its 19 member programs serve on a variety of committees and forums designed to take action on specific relevant issues. http://www.ndcaws.org/
Ohio Domestic Violence Network: Network of individuals and organizations from across the state which advocates with and for battered persons, produces and shares information, educates about options, and advocates for social change. Website includes links to ODVN’s services (statewide info, crisis intervention, resource center, publications, etc.) and to articles and information (Protect your internet activities from being discovered, is this an abusive relationship?, domestic violence and the law, etc.). http://www.odvn.org/
Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: The State Office of the Coalition facilitates the Coalition’s commitment of collaboration with local, state and national agencies whose programs have the potential to affect individuals who have been victimized or have the potential to be victimized by domestic violence and sexual assault. State Office staff work on various state level committees, task forces, councils and advisory boards as well as reaching out to law enforcement, social services, medical and judicial systems, the government, and the private sector to develop and enhance knowledge and understanding of domestic violence and sexual assault. http://www.ocadvsa.org/
Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence: Provides a variety of technical assistance to Domestic and Sexual Violence Programs, Community Partners, and the general public. Website includes links to information about county shelters, domestic violence, teen resources, sexual assault, sexual harassment, date rape drugs, stalking, legislation and policy, and more. http://www.ocadsv.com/
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence/National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Manages a statewide contract that provides financial support and technical assistance in program development and training to the network of service providers. Offers consultation and technical expertise to state domestic coalitions, private and government agencies, and state and federal policy-makers; and provides information and resource materials to the media and general public. Website includes publications and a library of resources. http://www.pcadv.org/
Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Working to eliminate domestic violence in Rhode Island. Supports and enhances the work of member agencies and provides leadership on the issue of domestic violence. Website includes links to getting help, facts, legislation, dating violence, SOAR survivors, campaigns, events, legal, publications, and more. http://www.ricadv.org/
The Family Violence Prevention Fund: The Family Violence Prevention Fund works to prevent violence within the home, and in the community, to help those whose lives are devastated by abuse, because every person has a right to live in a home free of violence. The web page offers news items from the press and other web resources for those researching family violence issues. http://endabuse.org/
Raising Voices: Works to prevent violence against women and children. Website includes information about a resource guide and other resources, how Raising Voices help build a movement in various regions, and how you can raise your voice and become active in the movement to end violence. http://www.raisingvoices.org/
South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault: Membership coalition consisting of all the domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers in South Carolina, along with individuals and organizations who endorse the mission and philosophy of SCCADVASA. Working to represent the critical needs of all victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Website includes links to services and legislative updates, as well as information about domestic violence, sexual assault, child sexual assault, stalking and more. http://www.sccadvasa.org/
South Dakota Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: The SDCADVSA’s work includes: Coalition building at the state, local, regional, tribal and national levels; support for the community-based nonviolent alternatives, such as safe home and shelter programs for battered women and their children; public education and technical assistance; policy development and innovative legislation; focus on the leadership of SDCADVSA’s caucuses and task forces developed to represent the concerns of organizationally under represented groups; and efforts to eradicate societal conditions which contribute to violence against women and children. http://www.southdakotacoalition.org/
Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence: Coalition of diverse community leaders and program members who share a common vision of ending violence in the lives of Tennesseans through public policy, advocacy, education, and activities which increase the capacity of programs and communities to address violence. Website includes links to service areas, domestic violence facts and stats, sexual assault facts and stats, “are you at risk” quiz, and more. http://www.tcadsv.org/
Texas Council on Family Violence: Working to end violence against women through partnerships, advocacy and direct services for women, children and men. Website includes family violence information, how to get help in Texas, men’s nonviolence project, legislative and legal information, public relations, and more. http://www.tcfv.org/
Toolkit to End Violence Against Women: To provide concrete guidance to communities, policy leaders, and individuals engaged in activities to end violence against women, the National Advisory Council on Violence Against Women developed the Toolkit To End Violence Against Women. The recommendations contained in the Toolkit were reviewed by numerous experts in the fields of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking. http://toolkit.ncjrs.org/
Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: A feminist organization committed to eradicating domestic and sexual violence through advocacy, empowerment and social change. Website includes survivor resources, links concerning domestic and sexual violence, legislation, and more. http://www.vtnetwork.org/
Violence Against Women Online Resources: This site is a cooperative project of VAWGO – the Violence Against Women’s Grants Office, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, and MINCAVA – the Minnesota Center Against Violence & Abuse at the University of Minnesota. The site is advised by a National Advisory Board made up of professionals from a spectrum of criminal justice and related professions.This Website is devoted to providing law, criminal justice, advocacy, and social service professionals with up-to-date information on interventions to stop violence against women. http://www.vaw.umn.edu/
Virginians Against Domestic Violence: Coalition of individuals and organizations committed to the elimination of domestic violence. Website includes information on Virginia’s domestic violence programs, batterer intervention programs, training and events, other resources, and more. http://www.vadv.org/
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Member organization committed to ending domestic violence through advocacy and action for social change. The Coalition, through its leadership and networking, supports individuals and organizations to increase their capacity to provide quality services for victims, public education and advocacy. Website includes information on getting help, a newsletter, publications, trainings, projects, links, and more. http://www.wscadv.org/
West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Member organization working to eliminate personal and institutional violence against women, children, and men. By developing a strong network of shared resources and support, WVCADV provides safe space and quality service for victims of domestic violence, and works for systemic change to assure families’ options for building lives free from violence. Website lists links for survivor resources, research, member programs, calendar of events/trainings, national and state statistics, and more. http://www.wvcadv.org/
