Freedom, Equality and Justice for All: Reflecting on 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
International Human Rights Day coincides with the final day of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. This year’s theme for Human Rights Day is “Freedom, Equality and Justice for All.” As we reflect on the 16 Days of Activism campaign, it’s clear how intertwined these issues are. Victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault deserve the right to freedom, equality, and safety in their communities.
Throughout the 16 Days, our domestic abuse services in Falkirk and Glasgow gathered with survivors and community members to spread awareness. They participated in local marches for safer streets, held lunches educating staff on the realities of domestic abuse. The team in Falkirk hosted an open day where the public could learn how to recognise warning signs and support victims. We also shared survivor stories on social media.
Why is this campaign so crucial? One of our support workers shares:
“All the survivors we support are so strong, brave, and genuinely wonderful. How they manage keeping their children safe, themselves safe and continue to be willing to give so much to help keep others safe is just amazing to me.”
However, she notes that until societal systems and norms that reinforce violence against women change, survivors cannot fully heal and recover. Bringing abuse out of the shadows is the only way forward.
Another supporter on our team echoes, “Working in the Equally Safe Service brings to light the efforts still required to tackle Gender Based Violence. Women feel that they are not equal, treated differently and have less a superior place in society than men. They feel fear and dread when thinking of their daughters growing up in a society where there are not safe when out with their friends. Having to plan routes home, checking in with one another to make sure they get home ok. Making sure their drinks are not spiked, stalked, and sexually assaulted. Women and girls not only feel unsafe in the community, but they also feel unsafe within their own homes, social media plays a part in grooming, bullying and sexual cyber-harassment, no one should feel unsafe in their own homes.”
Survivors would simply like basic freedom – “to think for themselves without fear of recrimination…to stop looking over their shoulder…[and] not need to keep ‘second guessing’ or ‘staying one step ahead’ just to survive.”
As one brave survivor shares regarding her own experience:
“Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, it’s not always a partner either, sometimes living with parents can be just as bad as watching a toxic relationship or living in the same house as one, often starts the footprint on what you find acceptable from a partner…Learn the signs. Speak up, fight for your life.”
She goes on to offer many concrete tips – from using safety apps to documenting evidence of abuse to seeking out support groups and advocates.
Her core advice: “You don’t deserve this, you don’t need it and the abuser doesn’t deserve to get away with it.” Women have worth that far outweighs their suffering. There is hope.
The 16 Days Campaign plays a crucial role in driving public understanding and reform for gender-based violence. By shedding light on these truths we can aspire towards a society where all are safe, valued and free.