On November 25, we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women with a series of events, as a reminder that violence against women is pervasive and a violation of women's and girls' human rights. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women commences the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign which ends on the International Human Rights Day.
Globally, more than one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in some other way, most often by someone she knows, including her husband or another male family member. A woman's sexual orientation, disability status or ethnicity can increase a women's vulnerability to violence and face additional barriers in seeking justice and support. Addressing violence against women requires improving quality services and responses for survivors of violence, increasing access to justice nationally and internationally, and strengthening prevention strategies. An integrated response that takes in to account the diverse forms of violence women and girls experience.
Ending violence against women and girls is a priority for the Australian Government and we work to achieve this through our foreign policy, economic diplomacy and aid program. Australia supports our partner countries, regional and international fora to take an integrated approach to ending violence against women and girls.
Video messages
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop
Media release: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women