Endemic violence against women and girls

An outpouring of anger marked March, 2021, as thousands took to the streets protest violence and discrimination against women. The contexts varied hugely across settings such Turkey, Australia, Mexico, UK, USA, but frustration was universal. Many women related fear they live with, a sense despair powerlessness at situation. And yet force these conversations provides grounds for measured optimism future. That wouldn't be obvious conclusion draw from new report on by WHO partner organisations, published March 9, 2021. This comprehensive includes 2000–18 data 161 countries intimate 137 non-partner sexual violence. Overall, an estimated 31% aged 15–49 years have been subjected physical or current former husband male partner, someone who isn't least once since age 15 years. Although there is national regional variation in prevalence intimate-partner violence, it clearly globally pervasive problem pandemic proportions. These horrific numbers make imperative that more action urgently taken governments societies. alarming level already present early women's lives. estimates 16% young 15–24 were within past 12 months. Adolescence time when relationship patterns are being solidified, closely tied developing self-esteem empowerment say no romantic contexts. amount therefore deeply concerning, indicating entrenchment abusive dynamics. Furthermore, aftermath changes life course, whether through unwanted pregnancy its repercussions education career, reproductive health problems, chronic conditions, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, devoting energy healing. Provision quality care after abuse crucial. do not because stigma, emotional difficulty, likelihood blamed. For adolescents sexually abused, studies advocate providing respects their autonomy wishes, ensures confidentiality, makes services welcoming. As emphasises, should able access survivor-centred care. Believing key this. Within this bleak picture, however, potential optimism. Exactly foundational character, adolescence window opportunity establishing healthier gender highlights inevitable, urging prevention programmes widely tested scaled up. Deep societal needed, beginning with creating equality encompasses economic education. Real change also requires fundamentally challenging social norms around roles behaviour, which adolescent professionals well positioned do. Given men primarily responsible women, boys must included interventions; essential initiatives challenge sexist ideas support masculinities based control over condoning Schools communities aim develop joint understanding dynamics, sexuality, relationships. example, many preventing dating include coaching healthy relationships, promoting equitable attitudes, modifying school environments policies. Efforts reduce vary according context; humanitarian settings, instance, safe places girls paramount importance. valuable addition increasingly open discussions gender-based disclose what through. Discourse step reality, extent today us hopeful possible To end span genders—with far greater reflection role problem—and adolescents, whose involvement offers promise changing cultural norms, societies, Preparing global trauma-informed workforceA recent editorial Lancet Child & Adolescent Health calls attention girls, important developmental period adolescence, crucial need accelerated governmental intervention prevention.1 We wish emphasise progress surveillance improving will impeded if properly equipped competencies experience deal Full-Text PDF