A Call to Action on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
On this International Day, let’s unite to combat domestic violence, ensuring safety, dignity, and support for all women. Act now! On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we reaffirm our commitment to unite all efforts in developing sustainable solutions and preventive measures to address the “national emergency” of violence against women, as declared by the Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth.
Violence against women is a pervasive issue, occurring daily and affecting millions. According to the 2023 Crime Survey for England and Wales, an estimated 1.4 million women were victims of domestic abuse. Isabelle Younane, Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid Federation, poignantly highlights the urgency of this crisis:
“The tragic reality is that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, meaning that there are countless survivors who need support.”
Despite the prevalence of abuse, there remains an alarming lack of protection from authorities. The devastating story of Raneem Oudeh and her mother epitomizes this failure. Despite 13 reports made to the police regarding Raneem’s ex-husband, no action was taken to prevent their tragic deaths. Their story, while harrowing, is unfortunately one of many, serving as a wake-up call for systemic change.
In response to this crisis, the UK government has pledged to halve violence against women and girls within the next decade and restore public trust in the police and criminal justice system. Initiatives under Raneem’s Law, named in her memory, aim to strengthen legal protections against domestic violence. Key measures include the introduction of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) and increasing the number of domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms to ensure effective responses to emergencies.
While these efforts provide hope, we must recognize that domestic violence remains a deeply entrenched societal issue. Many survivors continue to endure abuse in silence and shame. While awareness and support systems have improved over time, there is still much progress to be made.
In an effort to raise awareness, we interviewed British writer Hilary Spurling, who reflected on the evolving landscape of preventative measures against violence. She acknowledged the significant progress that has been made, particularly through the groundbreaking work of figures like Erin Pizzey and the establishment of shelters, which have provided critical refuge and support for survivors. However, Spurling emphasised that domestic abuse remains a deeply private issue, with each survivor’s experience being unique. This stresses the importance of tailoring support and solutions to the individual needs of those affected.
Her insights serve as a powerful reminder that while we have come far, the journey to end violence against women continues—and it demands our collective commitment to create meaningful, lasting change.
On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, let us take a moment to reflect and act. No one should endure domestic violence, especially when timely action by authorities could have prevented it. No survivor should feel ashamed for seeking help. Through education, awareness, and collective action, we can foster meaningful change and build a society where violence against women is no longer tolerated.
BY ELISA BIZZARRI, CEYDA KEMANCI
