The Roaring Voice of Silent Witnesses Can Be Heard Once More
Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread violations of human rights, according to a study by WHO.
???? Women’s right to safety, equality & a life without abuse is still a battle that needs to be tackled since the UN data sadly shows how 1 out of 3 women experience at least one episode of physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.
You might think that these distant statistics, despite of being gathered by such an recognized authority, have nothing to do with our country, are no longer valid in 2019 or are just isolated cases, that are mainly a product of different cultures or level of education.
Unfortunately, the reality we live in begs to differ. Between November 2018 and October 2019, in our very posh, small medieval town of Sibiu there were 148 forensic certificates issued for women that have been direct victims of domestic abuse. Please remember that these 148 cases are linked to incredibly brave ladies who asked for help, and that the real numbers of all those women out there, that are still keeping abuse silent will never be known.
The event organized by A.L.E.G, on December 10, is dedicated to the victims of domestic violence, that are no longer here to tell their story, that lost the battle and their life and are now a horrific number that reminds us to never be quiet about abuse again.
???? The 16 days of activism against violence on women start on November 25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – and end with the International day of Human Rights, on December 10. Should anybody doubt that women’s rights are a matter of human rights, these precise international celebration is here to set the record straight and to fight until equality, security, integrity are applied to any human being. In other words, violence against women and girls is violence against the whole humankind.
A.L.E.G. sends out an open invitation to journalists, public offices and everyone interested to a light gathering with a serious theme: women’s right to a life beyond fear. The candles are a warm symbol that honors the past victims and sends out a powerful message. Every candle becomes a beam of light and hope towards a future where nobody turns a blind eye on violence, abuse and is not intimidated by shame or fear.
While it’s true that change needs more than symbolic gestures, a real shift in culture can only happen when each and everyone of us gets involved. Every voice makes a difference and speaking out, showing support and giving a hand is at everyone’s reach.
???? Sieureusesc.ro is the meeting place of hundreds of life stories that belong to domestic violence survivors. They managed to change their lives, take back control and are now helping and inspiring other women to do the same.
Together with the Silent Witnesses Event, A.L.E.G. is celebrating the first year of brave women that shared their stories on SiEuReusesc. The online platform takes their courage further and turns it into the most powerful weapon against any situation that threatens any person’s voice, safety or health.
???? Find our more about sieureusesc.ro, how you can get involved and meet us on Dec 10, at the event that honors an age old battle against abuse that has no reason of staying silent.
A.L.E.G. is fighting violence against women since 2004, offering psychological counseling services to women who face domestic abuse and to their children. More about us and how we can help, here.
