The 16 days of action opposing violence against women campaign is an international movement which began in 1991. It runs from 25th November to 10th December. The significance of these dates is 25th Nov is United Nations Day Opposing Violence against Women and 10th Dec is Human Rights day.
In Ireland, on average 12 women a year die as a result of violence, and in 51% of the resolved cases, the woman was killed by her partner or ex-partner.
This year the theme of the campaign is “one in five” which signifies the one in five women who are affected by domestic violence. Later on after listening to our guest speakers, we will be going outside to the courtyard, to release the balloons in an act of solidarity with all women who are suffering abuse or violence.
Our aim in RWN by holding this event and involving the community is to raise awareness and share responsibility of what is often a hidden issue and to inform women who are suffering in an abusive relationship that there are supports there for them.