Introduction
While civil rights movements all over the world have shaped the way societies view different groups of people previously marginalized, certain problems still occur and represent a significant danger for vulnerable individuals. A topic that is to be discussed in terms of prevention and addressing is violence against women. While not a numeric minority, women experience violence on a day-to-day basis, exemplifying the severity of the problem. It is essential to mention that the violence is usually perpetrated by a partner or a male family member, which creates a challenge in case the female is psychologically, financially, and socially dependent on the perpetrator. This is why reducing violence against women is a complex issue that must be considered from multiple levels. This paper will exemplify how media coverage, awareness, and services aimed to help those in need are some of the ways that can positively influence the high rate of violence against women.
Media Coverage
It is vital to point out that violence against women is not a rare occurrence but is a major global challenge. Based on relevant statistics, between 30 and 70% of women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual abuse during their lifetime, the number changing based on the geographical location and socioeconomic characteristics (Ballington, 2018). However, despite the high rates, media coverage rarely illustrates such cases, which is an issue since talking about the problem is a step towards its fixing. A study conducted in East Africa exemplifies how media campaigns can encourage women to report abuse. Namely, the 10,000 Ugandans attending the campaign were more likely to report violence to authorities (Green et al., 2020). This illustrates that a subject that is being talked about becomes less taboo when it comes to sharing experiences. Women will be more likely to talk about the abuse they have experienced and seek help if they see that what they are going through is a common experience and that it is not shameful to ask for help. Thus, they may be willing to discuss it with family members, seek shelter from relevant organizations, and ultimately punish the offender.
Awareness
Media coverage is not the only way awareness can be achieved. Researchers mention that a change in the society’s mindset is the only way violence against women is to be combated (Tekkas Kerman & Betrus, 2018). Thus, educational programs and collective efforts can improve awareness of the topic. An example is teaching young boys and girls such concepts as consent, abuse, and ways to report it. This will not only give boys an understanding that it is important to respect women but also give girls tools to respond to a situation involving abuse adequately. This will encourage them to be aware of options such as receiving assistance from the authorities and women’s rights organizations. This is also relevant in organizational and academic settings. Collages and workplaces may benefit from implementing awareness programs on violence against women. Thus, attendees will learn how to spot the signs of abuse, whom to contact, and how to communicate with the victim. Awareness is essential because the stigma experienced by women reporting abuse stops them from being honest about the situation they are in. Isolation, disbelief, and shame create an environment in which females are apprehensive about being open about the physical trauma they have experienced. As a result, the abusers are not being punished, and the cycle continues without the women having an option to escape. On the contrary, avoiding topics on the subjects and dealing with the consequences rather than addressing the issue before it occurs may result in an increase in violence against women and encourage abusers not to be threatened by possible consequences.
Services for Survivors
It is certain that despite the efforts when it comes to awareness and media coverage, abuse will still happen, which is why practical measures for dealing with consequences are essential. Thus, services for survivors are important since it gives the victims tools to either escape the abuser, access psychological help, acquire legal assistance, and contact women in similar situations for emotional support and a sense of community. Researchers point out that organizations that provide women who experienced abuse with shelter and much-needed services are tremendous support systems that encourage survivors to leave abusive relationships (Sánchez et al., 2020). Females are often apprehensive of leaving a violent household because they are financially and emotionally dependent on the abuser, which becomes more critical when children are involved. Organizations dealing with such issues allow victims to have an escape plan and be reassured that there is a way out, and the abuser does not have power over them since they are free to access help provided by others.
Conclusion
There are several ways violence against women can be addressed both preventatively and practically. Preventatively, awareness can increase knowledge on the subject and establish boundaries from a young age. However, there are also practical ways of stopping the abuse, such as highlighting the challenge in the media and establishing more services designated to combat violence against women. This will give women tools to approach their experiences and a sense of community that is important when the survivors feel isolated and shameful because of their situations.
References
Ballington, J. (2018). Turning the tide on violence against women in politics: How are we measuring up? Politics & Gender, 14(4), 695–701.
Green, D. P., Wilke, A. M., & Cooper, J. (2020). Countering violence against women by encouraging disclosure: A mass media experiment in rural Uganda. Comparative Political Studies, 53(14), 2283–2320.
Sánchez, O. R., Vale, D. B., Rodrigues, L., & Surita, F. G. (2020). Violence against women during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An integrative review. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 151(2), 180–187.
Tekkas Kerman, K., & Betrus, P. (2018). Violence against women in Turkey: A Social Ecological Framework of determinants and prevention strategies. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 21(3), 510–526.