Do something about violence, stop talking

VIOLENCE is a global issue that knows no boundaries.
It appears to be impossible to contain because women and children continue to suffer.
Women, girls and boys are most likely to experience it, most often at the hands of partners and parents.
Human rights violation comes in different forms including domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment, child and forced marriage, human trafficking, the so-called “honour” crimes and female genital mutilation.
Violence is rooted in gender inequality.
Most cases of violence in rural areas aren’t reported.
Many perpetrators think that being violent towards women and children is right and society tolerates it.
Violence has long-term devastating effects on human beings.
Victims of violence are often subjected to poor life choices and end up getting themselves in bad situations.
Violence limits women’s choices and their ability to access education, earn a living and participate in politics and development.
Children exposed to violence are more likely to have difficulty in school, abuse drugs or alcohol, act aggressively, suffer from depression or other mental health issues and engage in criminal activities when they grow up.
In many areas, you will find young people who have experienced violence in their homes.
Some tend to prey on the vulnerable.
Others have low self esteem.
Older children may experiment with drugs and alcohol and engage in criminal activities.
But we can still change this.
It is time for all of us to stand up against violence.
We need to ensure perpetrators of violence face the law.
Women and children need to feel safe and loved.
We need to have more police stations and barracks in some remote areas to increase police presence so that women and children feel safe.
We lack enough professionals to work with victims of violence.
More support is required, especially when perpetrators are parents or other family members.
We need to strengthen child care services to help our children.
We should act instead of just talking about it.

Joshua Kelly,
Concerned Citizen,
Human Rights Advocate