International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Men
Raising awareness, and acknowledging the importance of safe spaces, and promoting equality, ensuring the well-being of all individuals.
While the work toward protecting women against domestic violence in a predominantly male-driven world is extremely important, it has been going on for decades. But even though the work to protect women is good, many people don’t realize how prevalent the violence and abuse is against men.
History of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Men
Introduced by the Domestic Abuse and Violence International Alliance (DAVIA) in 2022, this day was formed in response to the fact that victims of domestic abuse are not limited to women. In fact, although the numbers are a bit higher for women (one in every four), statistics still show that one in every 6-7 men will be victims of domestic violence or abuse.
While the United Nations has observed the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women since the early 1980s, this day is limited to women and there seems to be no traction in eliminating the gender-bent of the event. In 2013, advocates for IDEVAM made a petition for the United Nations General Assembly to recognize the day for male victims of violence as well, but to no avail.
Although more people are becoming aware of the issue concerning abuse against men, there is still far too little knowledge surrounding the problem, which is why International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Men (IDEVAM) was formed. The date is scheduled to take place just one week before the UN’s observance of the same day for women.
Early in the formation of the event, more than 45 organizations from at least seventeen different countries got involved with the day, and the hope that it will grow as the IDEVAM is celebrated each year.
How to Observe International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Men
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Men is here to shed light on the issue and raise awareness. Consider some of these ways to observe the day:
Learn More About Violence Against Men
One of the most important ways to observe International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Men is to get educated and informed. The research can be difficult to find, but organizations such as the Coalition to End Domestic Violence might be a good place to start.
The majority of people may assume that most domestic violence is against women, perhaps because men are typically larger and stronger, or maybe because women seem less likely to be violent. But the statistics tell a different story – up to 40% of domestic violence victims are male and up to 25% of domestic abuse crimes reported to police have male victims.
Raise Awareness About Violence Against Men
Bring together friends, family members, coworkers and others in the community to have an informed conversation about the issues surrounding International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Men. Host a dinner party at home or a lecture at the library to educate, inform and raise awareness about the needs that female AND male victims of domestic violence have.
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