Today is Women Against Violence Sunday. This day falls within the UN’s 16 Days of Activism to help prevent violence against women and girls worldwide, an annual campaign which started this year on Saturday November 25th and will run until Sunday December 10th. Over the course of these 16 days, the UN hopes to raise both awareness and funds in aid of the fight to change statistics such as these:
One in three women experience violence at least once in their lifetime.
Each year around the world, 245 million women and girls aged 15 and older experience violence by an intimate partner.
In 2021, around 45,000 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or other family members. This means that, on average, more than five women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their own family.
The UN is currently implementing ‘a comprehensive robust response that invests in prevention through strengthened legislation, improved services for survivors and sound evidence and data’. To help this response succeed, you can read more about violence against women and how you can help prevent it in the resources below.
To reflect on this important topic, our sermon today will touch on violence endured by women today in their homes, in war, and in current conflicts. We will reflect on the theme of judgement and consider the kinds of judgement calls those suffering from violence must make in uncertain and dangerous circumstances; on the judgements we make when we see others face violence and make decisions on whether to act or how to act; and the judgement of God presiding over all of us.
Thanks to Katherine Fox for delivering this sermon.