Ending violence against women

Women's Voice campaigns to end all forms of violence against women by organising events, working in partnership with other specialised agencies. Ending violence against women in Wales is important in the achieving of equality and fundamental freedoms for women. One in four women in Wales will experience violence at the hands of a partner during their lives and 2 women a week in the UK are killed by a partner or former partner. Violence against women extends beyond domestic violence and is a threat to women's liberty and safety across all of society. The rate for conviction of rape in Wales is as low as 7% although 1 in 4 women will be raped or sexually assaulted during their lives, normally by someone they know.

According to the UN Beijing Platform for Action 1995, violence against women is defined as any act of gender-based violence that results in physical, sexual or psychological harm to a woman. This includes threats of acts and the forcing of marriage, sex or pregnancy. The UN Beijing Platform for Action in 1995 set out objectives that governments should address to achieve equality for women.

'Violence against women in neither unchanging nor inevitable and could be radically reduced and even eliminated with the right political will and resources'.

Kofi Annan United Nations Secretary General Oct 2006

Women's Voice holds an annual event to recognise International Day to End Violence against Women. We arrange a "Light a Candle" multi-faith ecumenical service at Llandaff Cathedral. The service reflects on the severity of all forms of violence against women and highlights the need for action.

The Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline is a confidential, freephone support and information service for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or wanting more information on available support services. Open 24 hours. Freephone on 0808 80 10 800. Click on the logo for more information.