Break the cycle, speak out against abuse

16 Days of Activism

Violence against women and children is a violation of human rights that must be fought by all members of society.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is an international awareness campaign that asks people around the world to take a stand against women and child abuse.

What is the 16 Days of Activism about?

• It is a worldwide campaign to oppose violence against women and children.
• It aims to raise awareness of the negative impact that violence and abuse have on women and children and to rid society of abuse permanently.

The success of the campaign rests on our daily individual and collective actions to safeguard our society against the cycle of abuse

When does the campaign take place?

• The 16 Days of Activism campaign is held from 25 November to 10 December every year.

What are some of the causes of violence against women and children?

It stems from the low status of women in the home and in society.

It happens when men abuse power and positions of authority in order to control women and children.

What is abuse?

Any form of behaviour that causes:

• fear
• bodily harm
• a person to do things against their will.

Examples of abuse

• Emotional abuse
• Physical abuse
• Rape
• Sexual harassment
• Child abuse
• Financial abuse
• Stalking
• Damage to property.

It may also include trespassing or entry into a person’s residence without consent.

A domestic violence case can be opened against:

• The person you are married to, whether by civil or customary rites.
• Your partner (whether of the same or opposite sex) who lives or has lived with you.
• The person you share parental responsibility with.
• People related to you by blood ties, marriage or adoption.
• The person you are engaged to, in a customary relationship, or dating.

Don’t be a victim!

• Break the cycle of violence
• Break the silence
• Know your rights
• Act against abuse
• Do not look away!