Breaking the Silence: Ending Violence Against Women
November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, serves as a stark reminder of the persistence of gender-based violence and the urgent need to address it. At NIXY, we are committed to empowering women and advocating for their safety, health, and well-being—both in the workplace and beyond.
Violence against women is not an individual issue; it is a systemic problem deeply rooted in societal norms, inequality, and discrimination. By standing together, we can dismantle these barriers and foster a world where women can thrive without fear.
The Alarming Reality
Violence against women is NOT a statistics—it’s an epidemic that touches every corner of the globe!
These numbers provide a sobering view of its extent:
- 1 in 3 women globally have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most often by an intimate partner. (World Health Organization)
- Less than 40% of women who experience violence ever seek help, and fewer than 10% report it to the authorities. (UN Women)
- Women make up 71% of human trafficking victims, with the majority trafficked for sexual exploitation. (UNODC)
- In 2022, over 50,000 women were killed by intimate partners or family members—averaging one woman murdered every 11 minutes. (UNODC)
Forms of Violence
While physical violence often dominates the conversation, other forms are equally harmful:
- Psychological Violence: Emotional manipulation, verbal abuse, and controlling behaviour that erodes confidence and self-worth.
- Sexual Harassment: Unwanted sexual advances, online abuse, and harassment in public and private spaces, including the workplace.
- Economic Violence: Preventing women from accessing financial resources or achieving economic independence.
These behaviours are often normalised in societies, perpetuating cycles of abuse and silence.
Impact on Health and Well-Being
Gender-based violence has devastating consequences for women’s health:
- Survivors are twice as likely to experience depression and 1.5 times more likely to contract HIV in certain regions due to lack of control over their sexual health. (WHO)
- Prolonged exposure to violence leads to chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and reproductive health issues.
- The mental toll is equally severe, with many survivors developing PTSD, anxiety, or suicidal ideation.
Gender-based violence also leaves lasting scars on communities and economies. The economic toll is staggering, with violence against women costing societies an estimated €225 billion annually in healthcare, legal services, and lost productivity. Children exposed to violence are more likely to perpetuate cycles of abuse, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and support.
What Can Be Done to Drive Change?
Ending violence against women requires collective action:
- Raise Awareness: Start conversations in your workplace and community to challenge harmful norms.
- Strengthen Support Systems: Ensure survivors have access to mental health resources, legal support, and safe spaces.
- Advocate for Change: Support policies that prioritise women’s safety and hold perpetrators accountable.
- Break the Silence: Encourage open discussions and empower women to speak up without fear of stigma or retaliation.
Together, We Can Eliminate Violence
This International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is NOT A DATE —it’s a call to action. By addressing the root causes of violence, supporting survivors, and fostering a culture of accountability, we can create a world where women no longer live in fear.
At NIXY through tailored and professional online support, we improve the health and well-being of women in the workplace and beyond, ensuring they feel empowered, respected, and valued.
Eliminating violence is not an aspiration—it is an imperative.
Together, let’s take a stand for safety, dignity, and equality.