Violence Against Women & Girls

Violence against women and girls transcends borders, impacting individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and social statuses. But, together, we have the power to rewrite this narrative. We can forge a safer, more equitable world for all through awareness, support, and advocacy.

This crisis, known as Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), is a grave violation of fundamental human rights, affecting nearly one in three women and girls globally. This scourge of violence and discrimination solely based on gender knows no boundaries and persists in all societies.

At Aishah Help, we aim to reshape the political and societal structures perpetuating violence against women. We are dedicated to challenging the prevailing cultural norms that condone and normalise such harmful behaviours. Through our collective efforts, we are steadfast in driving meaningful social change.

Our network comprises women’s support services, researchers, activists, survivors, and non-governmental organisations. Aishah Help remains unwavering in our commitment to eradicating violence against women and girls. We strongly emphasise community engagement to prevent and address this violence, striving for lasting and sustainable transformation.

What is Violence Against Women and Girls?

Types of Violence Against Women and Girls

Your rights and options

Supporting a survivor

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a deeply rooted and pervasive issue that takes many forms, all of which have severe physical, emotional, and societal impacts. It is a violation of human rights and a barrier to gender equality.

Understanding the different forms of VAWG is crucial in our mission to end it:

Physical Violence: This includes acts of physical harm such as hitting, slapping, punching, or any form of bodily assault. It can lead to injuries, disabilities, and even death.

Sexual Violence: Sexual violence encompasses non-consensual acts of a sexual nature, including rape, sexual assault, and harassment. It is a traumatic experience that can cause lasting emotional and physical scars.

Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Emotional abuse involves manipulation, humiliation, threats, and control tactics aimed at eroding an individual's self-esteem and autonomy. It often leaves survivors feeling trapped and isolated.

Economic Abuse: Economic abuse is the misuse of financial resources to exert power and control over a victim. It can involve restricting access to money, employment opportunities, or education.

Forced Marriage and Honor-Based Violence: Some women and girls are subjected to forced marriages against their will, often involving threats and violence. Honor-based violence is committed to protect a family's perceived honour and may involve acts such as honour killings.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): FGM is a harmful practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia. It has no health benefits and can lead to severe physical and psychological consequences.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation: Women and girls are often vulnerable to human trafficking for sexual exploitation, forced labour, or other forms of servitude. It is a grave violation of human rights.

Online Harassment and Cyberbullying: In the digital age, online harassment and cyberbullying are increasingly prevalent forms of violence. They can cause severe emotional distress and harm.

Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence: Discrimination based on gender is a form of violence in itself. Gender-based violence includes acts that specifically target individuals because of their gender identity.

Child Marriage: Child marriage is a harmful practice that robs girls of their childhood, education, and future opportunities. It often exposes them to early pregnancies and increased health risks.

Understanding these various forms of violence is the first step toward ending them. Together, we can raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for change to create a world where women and girls are free from violence and discrimination.

At Aishah Help, we believe that knowledge is power. Understanding your rights and knowing your options are essential in the fight against violence. Here, we provide you with essential information to help you make informed decisions:

Know Your Rights: Every woman and girl has the right to live a life free from violence and discrimination. Familiarize yourself with your human rights, including the right to:

Safety: You have the right to live in a safe environment, free from violence or the threat of violence.
Equality: You have the right to be treated equally, regardless of your gender.
Dignity: You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
Choice: You have the right to make decisions about your own body and life.
Justice: You have the right to seek justice and accountability if you are a victim of violence.

Seek Support: If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, it's essential to seek support. You are not alone, and there are people and organisations ready to help. Your options include:

Emergency Services: In situations of immediate danger, call emergency services (e.g., 911) for assistance.
Hotlines: There are helplines available 24/7 to provide information, support, and resources.
Counselling: Consider seeking professional counselling or therapy to address the emotional impact of violence.
Legal Aid: If you need legal assistance, there are organisations that can provide guidance and support.

Create a Safety Plan: If you're in an abusive situation, it's crucial to have a safety plan in place. This plan may include:

Identifying safe places to go in an emergency.
Having a code word or signal to alert trusted friends or family.
Documenting incidents of violence with dates and details.

Report the Abuse: Reporting violence to the authorities can help ensure your safety and hold perpetrators accountable. Your options include:

Contacting your local law enforcement.
Reaching out to organisations that specialise in supporting survivors of violence.

Legal Protection: Laws and regulations exist to protect women and girls from violence. Familiarise yourself with your legal rights, including obtaining restraining orders or protection orders against perpetrators.

Support Networks: Building a support network of friends, family, and professionals can be invaluable in your journey to healing and empowerment. Reach out to trusted individuals who can offer emotional support and guidance.

Education and Awareness: Educate yourself and others about violence against women and girls. Awareness is a powerful tool for change. Attend workshops, webinars, and events that focus on gender-based violence and advocacy.

Remember, you have the right to live a life free from violence, and there are options and resources available to support you. You are not alone in this journey, and together, we can create a safer, more just world for women and girls.

Supporting a survivor of violence is crucial in their journey toward healing and recovery. As a friend or family member, your role can make a significant difference. Here are some ways you can offer support:

Believe and Validate: The most important thing you can do is believe the survivor. Listen without judgment and let them know that their feelings and experiences are valid. Reassure them that you are there for them.

Respect Their Choices: Survivors should have control over their decisions. Respect their choices, even if you don't fully understand or agree with them. Offer your support without imposing your own preferences.

Be Patient: Healing takes time. Be patient and understanding as the survivor goes through their journey. Avoid pressuring them to "move on" or "get over it" quickly.

Offer a Listening Ear: Sometimes, survivors may want to talk about their experiences. Be there to listen, but only if they want to share. Let them dictate the pace and depth of the conversation.

Encourage Professional Help: Suggest seeking professional support like counselling or therapy. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them to appointments if they are comfortable with it.

Provide Practical Assistance: Offer practical help with day-to-day tasks, such as meal preparation, childcare, or transportation. These small gestures can alleviate stress during a challenging time.

Respect Boundaries: Respect the survivor's need for space and boundaries. Let them know that you are available when they are ready to connect.

Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about the impacts of violence and the healing process. Understanding the survivor's experience can help you provide better support.

Be Mindful of Triggers: Be aware of potential triggers and be sensitive to them. Avoid discussing or sharing content related to the trauma without the survivor's consent.

Encourage Self-Care: Encourage the survivor to engage in self-care activities that promote their physical and emotional well-being. Offer to join them in activities they enjoy.

Be a Steady Presence: Consistency is key. Be a steady, reliable presence in the survivor's life. Knowing that they have someone they can count on can be immensely comforting.

Seek Support for Yourself: Supporting a survivor can be emotionally challenging. Don't hesitate to seek support for yourself as well. You may benefit from counselling or support groups for friends and family.

Remember that your role as a friend or family member is essential, but respecting the survivor's wishes and boundaries is equally important. Your support can make a world of difference in their healing journey.

Are you facing domestic abuse? Remember, you're not alone.

Are you finding yourself adjusting your behavior out of fear of how your partner might react?

Do you notice signs of jealousy and possessiveness in your partner's actions?

Are you often treading carefully in your interactions, like you're walking on eggshells?

Do you experience a sense of control or isolation within your relationship?

If you require support, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can also contact us confidentially through the contact form or our live chat feature below. In case of an emergency, please dial 999.

To ensure Aishah Help can respond effectively, we kindly request that you provide the safest contact method for you. We will make every effort to respond to you within three working days.

If you provide a phone number for us to reach you and we are unable to connect, please do not hesitate to contact us again. For your safety, please be aware that we are unable to leave voicemails. Your safety remains our top priority.

How we can help

At Aishah Help, we understand the challenges that women and girls face, especially during times of economic hardship and the rising cost of living. We are here to provide essential support to help you navigate through these difficult times.

In situations where you or someone you know is facing immediate danger or requires urgent protection, please do not hesitate to call the police immediately at 999. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance, and the authorities are there to provide assistance and support during emergencies.

ENGLAND

Call the 24 hour
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
on 0808 2000 247

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