The International Center La Strada is calling on women and girls not to tolerate any form of violence. “Sometimes it can be too late. Choose today to live without violence. We stand with you. Call the Women and Girls Helpline now 0 8008 8008”. The call is part of a campaign to inform and raise awareness among women about forms of abuse and violence, as well as the services they can rely on in crisis situations.
The campaign includes several informative materials and today the second video clip has been launched which tells about physical violence against women. The video presents the story of a woman who suffered a long period of physical and psychological violence from her husband. The victim endured the partner’s actions in silence, which led to a tragic end.
According to La Strada, in most cases reported to the Helpline for Women and Girls, the callers talk about physical violence from their husbands/partners, with the largest share coming from rural areas. Since the beginning of this year, 1500 calls have been recorded. Most of the time women are hit, roughed up or even brutally beaten. A good part of physical violence is periodical.
Although in the last 10 months of this year there is a slight decrease in registered cases, still 822 crimes of family violence were committed, according to the MoI. This year, 7 people were killed by their own family members, and 10 people barely escaped death. In another 11 cases of domestic violence, the victims died later as a result of domestic beatings.
Domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual acts are crimes that are punishable by law. An important element is the awareness by girls and women that they can be affected both physically and psychologically. To talk confidentially about what happened, but also to know the rights and services available in crisis situations, they should call the Women and Girls Helpline 0 8008 8008 which is free and can be called 24/24. Also, victims of violence can be helped by people they know, neighbors, friends, fellow citizens, family members who can also report the case to the Helpline for Women and Girls.
The Women and Girls Helpline was launched in early November 2009. Since then, more than 26 thousand calls have been received.
