From 25 November to the 10 December PAHO join efforts on 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, that this year is organized under the global theme "Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!"
Violence against women poses serious consequences to their health and well-being. The most severe consequence is death. Violence is associated with a range of short- and long-term physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health problems for victims of intimate partner and sexual violence. Violence against women also affects their children and can lead to high social and economic costs for women, their families and societies.
COVID-19 has created new urgency for action. Isolation and distancing measures, coupled with stress, anxiety, social and economic worries, may increase risk of violence in the home. As risk factors for violence increase, protective factors decrease, including access to needed health and protection services.
Call to action
Now more than ever is time for change and collaboration to end all violence against women and girls. While preventing and responding to violence against women requires a multi-sectoral approach, the health sector has an important role to play. The International Day and the 16 Days of Activism are a timely opportunity to raise awareness for the health and social consequences of violence against women and strengthen our commitment to collective action.
Together we can eliminate violence against women and girls leaving no one behind and elevating our voice even in this challenging time. We know what has to be done.
Today more than ever we have to strengthen our action to end violence against women and girls around the world and in the Region of the Americas.
Origin of the 16 Days of Activism
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that takes place each year. It commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, indicating that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide. It was originated by activists at the inaugural Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women's Global Leadership. More recently, the Sustainable Development Goals have reiterated commitments to end violence against all women and girls.
The campaign is used as an organizing strategy by individuals, institutions and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
Related links
Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!
TECHNICAL RESOURCES
COVID-19 and violence against women. What the health sector/system can do.
INFOGRAPHICS
Addressing Domestic Violence
Video
Stories
Campaign materials
Health workers can help women survivors of violence during COVID-19
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(175.64 KB)
If you are experiencing violence during COVID-19
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(168.12 KB)
Make a safety plan for you and your children
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(175.81 KB)
Be aware of the increased risk of domestic violence in the context of COVID-19
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(86.76 KB)
Recognize the signs and know when and how to ask about violence
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(96.95 KB)
Provide first-line support to survivors
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(70.53 KB)
Apply LIVES
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(90.25 KB)
First-line support
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(95.22 KB)
Provide timely care for physical, sexual, reproductive and mental health
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(98.56 KB)
Do not judge
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(82.71 KB)
Share information about available support
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(99.83 KB)
Violence is never justified
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(117.77 KB)
Reach out, keep in touch with and support women and children
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(79.11 KB)
Be careful
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(97.65 KB)
Get information on available support and share it
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(95.32 KB)
