International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Posted by Nora Barnett on November 25th, 2024 Posted in: Blog
Tags: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

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International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed annually on November 25. The United Nations defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, with the majority of these incidents being perpetrated by intimate partners. In the US, 36% of US women experience sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime (CDC). Low-income and minority women face disproportionately higher rates of violence. 

These statistics highlight the critical need for continued efforts to prevent and respond to violence against women. In honor of this day, we have compiled some resources for you.  

United Nations: International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women
The UN’s webpage for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women highlights the day’s purpose, key themes, and ongoing global efforts to combat violence against women and girls. It provides educational resources, campaign details for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and ways individuals and organizations can get involved. For further exploration, visit the site here. 

Office on Women’s Health: Resources by State
HHS Office on Women’s Health website has a wealth of information about violence against women: information on signs of abuse, laws on violence against women, information on how to help a friend who is being abused, and relationship and safety resources. Worth highlight is its Resources by State  page, which lists hotlines, shelters, legal assistance, and counseling services tailored to each U.S. state and territory. These resources aim to support survivors, connect them to local help, and offer guidance on safety planning and recovery.

The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)
The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) offers resources, training, and advocacy to combat domestic violence and promote prevention. Its website features tools including awareness campaigns, policy resources, educational materials, technical assistance, and research resources and projects. Key initiatives address housing, prevention strategies, and community engagement. NRCDV has numerous programs to support survivors and professionals with training and collaborative projects. They include the Domestic Violence Evidence Project, which supports domestic violence prevention and intervention programs, and VAWnet.org, which serves as NRCDV’s dissemination vehicle for domestic violence information. Learn more at nrcdv.org. 

Futures Without Violence 
Futures Without Violence is a nonprofit focused on ending domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The site offers resources for prevention, survivor support, and training for professionals like healthcare workers and educators. It emphasizes engaging men, policy advocacy, and global violence prevention, providing tools for communities and organizations to build sustainable violence-free futures. Learn more at futureswithoutviolence.org.

National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence
The National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NHRCDV), hosted by Futures Without Violence, aims to improve the healthcare system’s response to domestic violence. It provides resources, training, and support for health professionals to help them identify and address domestic violence, offering evidence-based tools and strategies. Resources include:   

• Personalized, expert technical assistance on addressing the intersections of health and intimate and gendered violence to healthcare providers, public health agencies, hospitals, other health systems, DV/SV advocacy programs, and more
• Setting and community specific tools and resources
• A free webinar series with expert presenters, and cutting-edge topics
• Educational Videos for health care providers and advocates on the intersection of health and violence and helping survivors.  

Guidelines on interpersonal violence screening from ACOG
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provides guidelines for clinicians on recognizing, addressing, and supporting patients affected by inter[ersonal violence (IPV). It emphasizes screening all women for IPV during routine visits, using a private, non-judgmental approach.  Read more here. 

CUES intervention for healthcare providers
For health professionals, the CUES intervention (Confidentiality, Universal Education, Empowerment, and Support) is a widely adopted, evidence-based approach to addressing intimate partner violence, offering universal education and resources to all patients without requiring disclosure of abuse, and empowering healthcare providers to support survivors in a nonjudgmental manner. More info can be found here. 

 

Helplines 

National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Resources include safety planning, identifying abuse, local referrals, and live advocacy through calls, chats, or texts. The site emphasizes healthy relationships and offers tools for victims, supporters, and those who want to help. For assistance, visit TheHotline.org. 

National Sexual Assault Hotline
The National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, provides confidential support for survivors of sexual violence. Available 24/7, it offers a toll-free number (1-800-656-HOPE) and an online chat service. The hotline connects survivors to local resources, crisis counseling, and information about legal and medical support. It aims to help survivors navigate their options and find support in their recovery. More details can be found on their website: RAINN. 

National Dating Abuse Hotline
Loveisrespect offers a 24/7 helpline to support young people facing relationship abuse. You can reach them via text, phone, or chat. For immediate assistance, the helpline number is 1-866-331-9474, and they also provide a texting service at Text “loveis” to 22522. For more resources and details, visit loveisrespect.org.

StrongHearts Native Helpline 
The StrongHearts Native Helpline is a 24/7 confidential service offering support to Native Americans and Alaska Natives facing domestic and sexual violence. It provides culturally relevant advocacy, safety planning, crisis intervention, and referrals to specialized service providers. The helpline also offers peer support, information about health and legal options, and guidance for survivors. You can reach the helpline at 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) or through online chat. For more details, visit StrongHearts Helpline.

Deaf Hotline
The Deaf Hotline offers 24/7 confidential support for Deaf and hard-of-hearing survivors of abuse. It provides resources such as safety planning, crisis intervention, and advocacy in American Sign Language (ASL). The hotline, a partnership between the Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, also offers educational materials and referrals to local services. For assistance, you can reach them through video relay, phone, or text. More details are available at The Deaf Hotline.