Women’s voices against violence – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Every year, 25 November marks a day dedicated to raising awareness about violence against women. Each year, the need to speak out and take action grows more urgent, as violence against women shows no sign of decreasing.
“Today, and every day, we must stand together to challenge inequalities and create communities where every woman and girl can live with respect, safety, and hope.” – Mariana Pinto da Costa, EPA Committee on Ethics Member and EPA Public Mental Health Section Chair.
Experiences of violence, abuse, trauma, and societal pressure can all heavily contribute to mental health disorders. Women are also disproportionately affected by conditions such as depression, eating disorders, and anxiety. Across the EU, 1 in 3 women has faced physical or sexual violence in adulthood. A figure that shows no sign of decreasing over the years.
“Evidence suggests that women who have been subjected to violence seek health care more often than non-abused women. When professionals are trained to recognise and respond to violence, women are more likely to be heard, supported, and receive appropriate care.” – Marisa Casanova Dias, UEMS Section of Psychiatry President.
Violence against women appears in many forms, from physical and sexual abuse to psychological, economic, and digital violence. These forms of harm include assault, harassment, coercion, and other behaviours that threaten women’s dignity and safety.
“Violence against women, like any other form, is a crime, not a private matter. Psychiatric help assists victims in regaining control of their lives, building self-esteem, and learning to set boundaries.” – Anna Rebeka Szczegielniak, Early Career Psychiatrist Committee Member and EPA Women’s Mental Health Section Member.
On this day, EPA Board Member and EPA Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section Chair Judit Balazs, UEMS Section of Psychiatry President Marisa Casanova Dias, EPA Committee on Ethics Member and EPA Public Mental Health Section Chair Mariana Pinto da Costa, EPA Board Member and Early Career Psychiatrist Committee Chair Gaia Sampogna, Early Career Psychiatrist Committee Member and EPA Women’s Mental Health Section Member Anna Rebeka Szczegielniak and EPA Addictive Behaviours Section Co-Chair Florence Thibaut, speak about the effects of violence against women and the need to act against those violences.
