The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign spanning from 25 November until 10 December aims to highlight sexual harassment and other violence women and children everywhere suffer.

So often we pretend these things aren’t happening. It’s someone else’s problem. It will never happen to us. But the reality is that woman and child abuse occurs irrespective of race, age, background and economic status.

It happens all around us and sometimes right under our eyes.

If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, speak up!

Talk to the person in private and let her know that you’re concerned.

Point out the things you’ve noticed that worry you.

Tell the person that you’re there, whenever she feels ready to talk.

Reassure the person that you’ll keep whatever is said between the two of you, and let her know that you’ll help in any way you can.

You might just be saving her life.

Return to main article