November 25th: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. 7 Ways to Make Respect a Daily Practice, All Year Round:

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Violence against women is a global pandemic that remains deeply rooted in our societies, fueled by patriarchal structures and power imbalances.

While the context may vary by country, the numbers tell a devastating universal story. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, about 1 in 3 women (30%) have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

Combating this is not just a job for survivors or experts; it is a matter of individual responsibility for all of us. How we stand against this phenomenon defines the society we are building.

Here are 7 concrete ways to turn awareness into active, daily action.

1. Educate Yourself on Violence (And Its Many Forms)

Violence is not always visible (like physical injury). It is crucial to understand its silent forms:

• Psychological/Emotional: Threats, humiliation, isolation. Globally, emotional abuse is often the most reported form of intimate partner violence.

• Economic: Denying access to money, prohibiting work or financial independence.

• Sexual: Any act performed without free and enthusiastic consent.

• Digital: Stalking, revenge porn, and the non-consensual sharing of private images. (Note: UN Women reports that 73% of women worldwide have been exposed to or have experienced some form of online violence).

What to do: Learn to recognize the signs in friends, colleagues, or family members. Understand that fear and shame are often what keep victims silent.

2. Listen to and Believe Survivors

The first step toward a survivor's recovery is the validation of their experience. As a society, we often fall into the trap of "victim-blaming."

What to do: When someone trusts you with their experience of abuse:

• Do Not Doubt: Avoid questions like "Why didn't you leave sooner?" or "Why were you there?"

• Offer Support: The phrase "I believe you" is powerful.

• Focus on Safety: Ask, "What do you need from me right now?"

3. Do Not Make or Tolerate Sexist Comments

Sexist jokes, microaggressions, and tolerance for sexual harassment create the breeding ground for violence. Global data suggests that violence and harassment in the world of work is a widespread phenomenon, disproportionately affecting women.

What to do:

• Interrupt: When you hear a sexist comment, speak up politely but firmly. For example: "That’s not funny" or "I don't think that's appropriate."

• Set Boundaries: Make it clear that in your space (work, friend group), such behavior is not acceptable.

4. Respect and Embrace Intersectionality

Violence is not experienced the same way by all women. Women who belong to multiple vulnerable groups (migrants, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, women with disabilities) face multiple forms of discrimination. This makes them statistically more vulnerable to violence and creates harder barriers to accessing help.

What to do: Educate yourself on the struggles of different groups and support organizations that provide specialized aid to them.

5. Know the Support Structures in Your Area

Knowing where to turn can save lives.

📍 FOR READERS IN GREECE: Greece operates a National Network of Structures providing legal, psychological, and social support.SOS Helpline 15900: A 24-hour, nationwide helpline for female victims of violence.Counseling Centers: 39 Centers across the country providing free support. (In 2021-2022 alone, they supported 4,320 women).Shelters: There are approximately 26 shelters hosting women and their children for safe accommodation.Panic Button: An app for immediate police notification in cases of domestic violence. Action: Save 15900 in your phone now.

🌍 FOR INTERNATIONAL READERS: Support networks exist globally. Please take a moment to search for "Domestic Violence Hotline [Your Country/City]" or "Women's Shelter near me." Save these numbers—you never know when a friend or colleague might need them.

6. Understand the Concept of Consent

Consent is the foundation of every sexual act. It must be:

• Free: Without coercion, fear, or pressure.

• Enthusiastic: Not just the absence of a "no."

• Specific: A "Yes" to one thing is not a "Yes" to everything.

• Revocable: It can be withdrawn at any time, even during the act.

Remember: Consent cannot be given when someone is under the influence of alcohol/drugs or is asleep.

7. Teach Children Respect and Gender Equality

Prevention starts with dismantling gender stereotypes. Children are exposed to these from a very young age.

What to do as a parent/educator:

• Talk about Boundaries: Teach children that their body belongs to them and they have the right to say "No."

• Model Respect: Demonstrate fair division of roles and mutual respect within your own relationships and family.

• Encourage: Encourage boys to express emotions and girls to be assertive and claim their space.

Change comes through our daily attitude. Even the smallest act of resistance against sexism or support for a survivor is a step toward a society free from violence.

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