Day Against Domestic Violence

Day Against Domestic Violence History

The Day Against Domestic Violence is dedicated to raising awareness about the prevalent issue of domestic violence and promoting efforts to combat it. The day aims to bring global attention to this social problem, which affects all nationalities, age-groups, and genders. The purpose of this observance is to provide an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and governments to work together in a concerted effort to prevent domestic violence and provide support to the victims of this abhorrent behavior.

The origin of the day can be traced back to the United Nations General Assembly, which in 1999 designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In the context of the European Union, domestic violence remains a significant concern, with an estimated one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence during their lifetime. The European Commission has increasingly recognized this issue, implementing various policies and initiatives, such as the Victims' Rights Directive and the Istanbul Convention, to counter domestic violence and protect its victims.

The Day Against Domestic Violence is observed through various activities and events aimed at raising awareness and informing citizens about the dynamics and consequences of domestic violence. These events may include conferences, workshops, educational programs, and social media campaigns. The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) plays a crucial role in providing data and analysis related to the prevalence of domestic violence across the EU, thus enabling evidence-based policymaking. The Day Against Domestic Violence is observed for November 25th.

Top facts and quotes about Day Against Domestic Violence

• The theme for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 2024 was Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
  In 2023, the theme was UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls! #No Excuse.
• The colour orange represents struggles against gendered violence. Orange Day is also marked on the 25th of each month to encourage advocacy.
• The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women was adopted by the UN in 1993. In it the Declaration states that customs, traditions and religious obligations should not be invoked when they harm on the basis of gender. It also includes the provision of government budgets dedicated to eliminating gendered violence.
• Violence and abuse affect women from all kinds of backgrounds every day. As many as seven in ten women around the world report having experienced physical violence at some point in their lifetime. – Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the EU
• We must unite. Violence against women cannot be tolerated, in any form, in any context, in any circumstance, by any political leader or by any government. – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

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Day Against Domestic Violence Top Things to Do

• Get orange!!! From November 25 to December 10 is the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. People are invited to “Orange the world” to symbolise a future without violence - why not orange your street, school or workplace to show your support for the day?
• Donate supplies or time to a women’s shelter near you. Tampons, clean underwear and warm bedding are useful items that are always needed. There are local shelters in nearly all areas.
• Learn to recognise the signs of domestic violence and reach out to someone you think might be in need of help.
  Consider responses to these questions:
  Has your partner tried to keep you from seeing your friends or family?
  Have you ever changed your behaviour because you're afraid of what your partner might do or say to you?
  Has your partner ever deliberately destroyed any of your possessions?
• Learn more about the topic by reading book about domestic violence. Books can be just as powerful as films or documentaries. Some of our picks:
  1)A Woman Like You: The Face of Domestic Violence by Vera Anderson
  2) The Politics of Denial: Reactionary Rage by Michael A. Milburn, Sherre D. Conrad, Sheree D. Conrad
  3)Domestic Abuse: Our Stories by M. Webb
• Watch a film or TV show about domestic violence. There are dozens of films and TV shows that tackle the societal issues and personal stories of gendered violence. Our favourites are: Private Violence (2014), Power and Control: Domestic Violence in America (2010) and Orange is the New Black.