June 19, 2021
At YWCA South Hampton Roads, we imagine a world without violence. A world that sees women and all people they way we do: Equal, Powerful, Unstoppable. International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict occurs every June 19th to raise awareness for conflict-related violence and also honors victims and survivors of sexual violence globally.
Sexual violence takes many forms, but includes:
- Rape
- Sexual slavery
- Forced prostitution
- Forced pregnancy
- Trafficking
- Forced abortion
- Forced marriage
- Enforced sterilization
It’s easy to write sexual violence off as a women’s issue. But it’s not just women and girls that are victims. The perceived lack of male victims comes from fear of judgement and cultural stigmas. Here at YWCA South Hampton Roads, we work to promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for ALL people. Our services are inclusive because there is no mold that victims and survivors fit into.
YWCA South Hampton Roads condemns these actions. What we need desperately in our world are communities that trust, stand up, and fight for victims. To observe this day, we stand with organizations and countries doing their part to support victims of conflict-related sexual violence so justice may be served. If you’d like to support our mission donate now.