Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

Abstract

Violence against women and girls (VAW) is a widespread and systematic violation of fundamental human rights and an enduring form of gender-based discrimination. It occurs in every country of the world, rich and poor, stable and in conflict, and affects most women and girls, regardless of their age or socio-economic status. Based on data available globally, up to 70 per cent of women experience physical or sexual violence from men in their lifetime. Every institution is accountable to end society’s tolerance of and states’ lack of responsiveness to this pervasive scourge on society. VAW has a greater impact on women and girls than on men and boys. It is important to note, however, that men and boys may also be survivors of gender-based violence, especially sexual violence. There is some evidence that sexual violence against boys occurs more often than previously known, however information is insufficient. This report focuses on violence against women specifically because of the disproportionate number of women and girls who experience violence. The physical, emotional and psychological consequences of violence against women for individuals and communities are far reaching. Survivors of violence endure emotional and psychological trauma through harassment, terror, threats, intimidation, humiliation, degradation, exploitation and physical (especially sexual) injury, maiming and disability, all with chronic health consequences, even death. This extreme expression of male control and power over women can begin at infancy and may accompany a woman throughout her life to old age, through various relationships as daughter, sister, intimate partner, wife and mother. All forms of violence against women occur around us on a daily basis - in our homes, families, communities, institutions, workplaces and in the songs, films and images of popular media. Gender inequality and discrimination are the root causes of all forms of VAW; however other factors influence the type and extent of violence in each setting. Factors such as loss of community and family support systems, nonexistent institutions of care, climate of human rights violations and impunity, and displacement will increase women’s risk of and vulnerability to violence. All institutions have a responsibility – and everyone is implicated. Perpetrators of violence against women come in all forms, at all levels. Doctors, lawyers, religious and political leaders, teachers, and many others in positions of power can perpetrate violence against women both in their professional and personal lives. In so doing, they betray their trusted roles as partners and providers of services that are intended to support and protect communities and individuals. Violence against women denies women their most basic rights and freedoms, such as freedom of opinion, mobility, participation, access to information and opportunities. Women and girls have urgent unmet needs, and have the right to access appropriate medical, psychosocial, police and legal support. We need to ensure that these systems reflect the minimum standards of care and are in line with internationally-recognized good practice. We therefore must adopt a rights-based approach to our work to end VAW. This approach recognizes women’s human rights and places the duty on stakeholders to promote, protect, and fulfill the rights of women and girls – particularly their right to live free of violence. This approach is based on internationally-recognized human rights standards and requires that we actively address the political, legal, social and cultural norms and values in each context. VAW should also be addressed through a community development approach, empowering individuals and groups by providing the knowledge, resources, and skills they need to effect the changes that will end violence against women. Finally, a survivor-centered approach is crucial, empowering survivors by putting them at the center of the response and prevention process. We are all are accountable to bring appropriate prevention and response to fruition – and to end violence against women. Too many Pacific women and girls experience violence in their lives. The call to acknowledge, address and act to end all forms of violence against women is not new in Pacific Island Countries. For two decades we have campaigned, lobbied, organized and acted on many fronts.