Protecting women should be a priority to society. Every year, thousands of women are abused by family members, significant others, and more. This is why there is an International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women.

Women’s rights activists have identified November 25 as a day against gender-based violence since 1981. This date was selected to honor the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by an order from the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo. This true story influenced Julia Alvarez’s book In the Time of the Butterflies.

At least 35% of women worldwide have experienced abuse at some point in their lives, according to https://www.unwomen.org/. In some countries, the estimate goes up to 70%. The impact of being abused can lead to deep depression, long term physical and mental health consequences, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Gender inequality, low economic status, and a bad economy can contribute to the level of the risk of violence a woman faces. These tend to make women feel like they can’t leave their partners because of emotional and financial insecurities.

The International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women is acknowledged to bring attention to victims and let them know that they are supported. If you or someone you know is being abused, know that you are not alone and the abuse you are going through is not your fault. Please consider contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233; Loveisrespect, which provides teens and young adults confidential and anonymous support, at 866-331-9474’ or WomensLaw.org, which provides legal information and resources for victims, at https://hotline.womenslaw.org/public (an online hotline in English and Spanish).

Victims of abuse are encouraged to contact one of these services, but they should also contact someone they trust, someone who can provide resources to help get out of the situation. The programs will listen and help victims do whatever they can to feel safe (emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, childcare, counseling, support groups, and more).