Violence Against Women - Today, John Kerry, the Secretary of State, made a press statement where he marked the "International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women" and "16 Days of Activism."
It was an actually inspiring publication the one that Kerry did. He mentioned how he saw violence constantly as a young prosecutor and the heartbreak all of that brought.
"I saw women and young girls whose lives and families were ripped apart by violence. I will never forget seeing women in dark glasses and long-sleeved shirts worn to cover up the black eyes and bruises of abuse," this was part of the statement.
He also mentioned figures that were truly frightening. The Independent did as well, focusing mainly on UK and Wales. Among said figures are:
"Around 1.2 million women suffered domestic abuse in 2012. 85,000 women were raped in 2012 and over 400,000 women were sexually assaulted."
The mentioned ones are only a very small portion of the actual complete numbers showed in various publications. It all really points out to the fact that a day dedicated to the violence against women is desperately needed.
There are days dedicated to various causes and most of them commemorate something to celebrate. An international day for the violence against women couldn't be any more further from being an issue to celebrate in the slightest.
It's dramatic, awful and shows hate in its many forms. But it also needs to be acknowledged. Kerry said in the statement that it was actually the first step to make it end.
By creating a campaign, the problem can't be denied any longer and perhaps the numbers will decrease now.
Euronews mentioned that The Lancet journal called the violence against women a "global public health and clinical problem of epidemic proportions." It's a truth that provides hopelessness.
But there's also a choice and it's with this statement that Kerry invites everyone to do something about the violence against women:
"We will not turn away in the face of evil and brutality. We stand up, and we reaffirm that sexual violence will not be tolerated. Not now, not ever."
