YWCA of Greater Wellington

Saturday 10 December 2011

YWCA of Greater Wellington says No to Violence Against Women

In conjunction with 16 Days of Activism Against Violence, the YWCA of Greater Wellington is raising awareness on the endemic of violence towards women in New Zealand. This year, we are supporting the Sophie Elliot Foundation by helping to promote a book Sophie Elliot’s mother, Leslie Elliot published in June 2011. The book is entitled, ‘Sophie’s Legacy-A mother’s story of her family’s loss and their quest for change’ and is based on the legacy of Sophie Elliot.

Last year, in a Ys Up to Da Violence workshop, Leslie shared stories on signs of power and control in relationships and what to look for. Young people aged 15-24 are most at risk of physical, psychological and sexual victimisation, (New Zealand National Crime Survey, 2006).

Vanisa Dhiru, YWCA of Greater Wellington President says, “15-24 is the most vulnerable age group and the YWCA wants to assist young women by raising awareness on how serious violence towards women is. Advocating for young women through media submissions, supporting established campaigns and assisting young women who wish to advocate for themselves are just one of the many ways we are raising awareness on this issue.”

Dhiru continues, “We have a lot to learn from Sophie’s story. Sophie’s encounter with violence brings to surface the fact that many women out there are still victims of forms of violence that range from physical, psychological to sexual and emotional abuse.”

The 16 Days of Activism Against Violence campaign 25 November to 10 December every year, marks an important date in history. It coincides with the International Day Against Violence Against Women (November 25) and International Human Rights Day (December 10). These dates were intentionally chosen in order to symbolically link violence against women and human rights so as to highlight that such violence is a direct violation of women’s basic human rights. (World YWCA website, www. worldywca.org.nz)

ENDS

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