16 DAYS AGAINST VIOLENCE: THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW

Every year, on November 25, the global campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” begins. Its goal is to draw attention to the issue and call for action to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence.

UN entities involved in this initiative

FAO, ILO, IOM, OHCHR, UN Women, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, WHO

Sustainable Development Goals

Gender Equality

About the initiative

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Statistics show that women and girls are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence. Constant stress, constant maltreatment, fatigue, and limited access to basic needs significantly increase the risk of such violence.

During humanitarian crises, the statistics are alarming: approximately 70% of women experience violence, yet only about a third seek help.

In times of war, this tendency becomes even more dangerous, as survivors often downplay their pain in light of larger national challenges, attribute harm to the emotions or character of the perpetrator, and consider seeking help as “not at the right time.”

UN Ukraine Launches the #StopViolenceNow Campaign to emphasize that countering violence cannot wait, the UN in Ukraine is launching the #StopViolenceNow campaign. The war starkly reminds us that every life is invaluable and that we may not get another chance to act.

  • Now is the best time to seek help, support a loved one, assist a stranger, or simply learn more about the issue.
  • Now is the time to challenge harmful beliefs, reject stereotypes, show empathy and humanity, and offer a helping hand to those in need.
  • Now is the moment to take the first step and say #NoToGenderBasedViolence.

But how do you know if this affects you or someone you care about?

#LearnMoreNow

Gender-based violence refers to actions targeting an individual because of their sex or gender, causing physical, psychological, sexual, or economic harm. Common forms include domestic violence, harassment, intimate partner violence, forced marriage, sexual exploitation, and other harmful practices.

Often, gender-based violence is so deeply ingrained in the lives of survivors that it may even seem normal. But it is not. The longer we delay addressing it, the tighter the cycle of violence becomes. Breaking this cycle requires effort and the courage to act now.

Economic violence is the control over your finances that limits your freedom and rights. The abuser can forbid work, study, force to report expenses or leave without money.

How to say #StopViolenceNow and help yourself if you know economic violence?

  • Form a circle of communication, independent of the abuser, ask for support from relatives.
  • Find a way to earn money. If the abuser prohibits working outside the home, look for work online.
  • Create financial savings. Start saving in a separate secret account.
  • Collect important documents, make copies and protect them in a safe place.
  • Contact the psychological support and counseling service.
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Online violence has real consequences.

At first glance, seemingly insignificant insults, comments, and messages online can cause harm, leaving a mark on both personal and professional lives. Public figures, particularly women working in media, are often the most affected.

We urge you to take virtual threats seriously, as online threats are frequently followed by physical ones.

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#TakeTheFirstStepNow

If you have experienced gender-based violence, it is crucial to take the first step:

  • Reach out to specialized support services.
  • Talk to someone you trust.

If you witness gender-based violence:

  • Document the situation.
  • Contact support services.
  • Offer assistance, including sharing information about available resources.

If someone close to you is affected:

  • Show your support by letting them know you’re there for them.
  • Share contacts for support services.

Support hotlines:

  • Government Hotline: 15-47
  • National Hotline: 0 800 500 335 (landline) or 116 123 (mobile).

Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, support services continue to operate and actively assist survivors by providing psychological, informational, and legal support. All services are free, confidential, and accessible to everyone.

#DoNotStaySilent

Each of us can help combat gender-based violence by raising awareness. We encourage everyone to spread information about support services and amplify the voices of those fighting for a life free from violence.

Your participation in #16DaysAgainstViolence, words of support for survivors, or even sharing a campaign post with the hashtag #StopViolenceNow can make a positive difference in addressing this issue in Ukraine.

You can join the campaign and share key messages with your audience by using visual materials available via these links:

Together, we can stop violence. Let’s start acting #Now.