Domestic Violence - Violence Against Women

Domestic Violence against women in their home environment is a crime that often goes unmentioned, but after uncovering the facts it becomes clear as to just how serious a crime it is. It is not just something that should be swept under the carpet as a private problem because it is a criminal act. It is a fact that 1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic violence (which could be through physical, mental, emotional or sexual abuse). That means that it is likely that you will know of someone who has or will suffer such abuse: friends, family or even yourself!

Shockingly, findings have shown that domestic violence causes more deaths and disability among women aged 15 to 44 than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents or war. The suffering for some victims is so immense that two women die every week at the hands of a ‘loved one’. For those victims that aren’t led to death many are left feeling alone, humiliated, scared and ashamed. It is for this reason that so many victims keep their abuse secret and often let it go unreported. We need to promote the message that it is not through any fault of the person being abused. We also need to make known that such violence will not be tolerated! A survey has shown that 1 in 10 young men think that in certain circumstances violence towards a woman is acceptable, and 1 in 8 believed it would be fine to hit a woman if she were ‘nagging’. Even more distressing is that 1 in 5 considered it okay to force a woman to have sex if she were married to him. We need to re-educate these people and eliminate these attitudes. That is why the Women’s Office is organising a campaign to address the problem of violence against women. It will be taking place on 25 th November. Our campaign will involve making people more aware of domestic violence and ways in which we can help begin to deal with the rising issue.

If anyone would like any further information please feel free to contact us. The Women’s Office is part of the Equal Opportunities Office, which is located in the sabbatical corridor, 1 st floor of the Union building. We can be contacted on 01482 466276 or via e-mail: womens@union.hull.ac.uk The group holds regular meetings and participates in a range of campaigns throughout the year, which are displayed on our office door. If anyone would like information regarding women’s issues please get in touch with us, as we have a vast amount of information available on a range of concerns. We also provide a ‘safe space’ where women can come and relax, so pop in and see us for a chat.

Zoë Green, Student Journalist

Hull University - Domestic Violence