End the Epidemic of Violence against Women

Violence can take many forms: physical, sexual, psychological, and even economic, among others. November 25 was International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in addition to marking the beginning for the 16 Days to End Violence against Women campaign. The campaign takes place every year between November 25 and December 10 (Human Rights Day). Up to 70 percent of women experience violence during their lifetime, with domestic violence the most common form. Additionally, every year an estimated two million girls, primarily in developing countries, are forced to undergo female genital mutilation/cutting, and girls are also at risk of being married off at an early age, a practice that significantly increases the chances of suffering domestic violence. Americans are encouraged to contact their U.S. Senators and urge them to ratify the Convention for the Elimination of All Form of Violence against Women, a 31-year old international human rights treaty that defends women’s rights and gender equality. The convention sets a global definition for discrimination against women and outlines a plan to end that discrimination. The United States is one of just six nations in the U.N. who have refused to ratify CEDAW.

http://blog.populationinstitute.org/2011/11/25/end-the-epidemic-of-violence-against-women/