We all are aware of the violence women go through. For years women have been seen as “easy” targets for aggressors that are typically men. We are put through domestic violence, sexual assault/rape culture, human trafficking, and more.
Domestic violence is typically committed by one’s significant other. In recent article published by the World Health Organization it explains, “indicate that globally about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime” (World,2024). It is unfortunate that the one we often trust the most is the person likely to cause such pain. This situation can be especially difficult when children are involved or when the abuser is the breadwinner.
Sexual assault/Rape culture essentially puts women down and blames us for what has happened. If a woman is raped the first typical response is something along the lines of, “what was she wearing?” and “she asked for it.” Typically men are not blamed for their actions.
Another unfortunate injustice women have to deal with is human trafficking. From a young age we are told to not trust strangers, be aware of our surroundings, lock the doors as soon as you get in your car, etc all because we are human traffickers’ main target. According to the American Psychological Association “7 in 10 human trafficking victims are women and girls.”
All in all, while our struggles are unfair and unnecessary, we need to keep in mind there are things we can do to help us. For example, if you are not able to get out of a domestic abuse situation there are hotlines available for instance 800-799-7233. In addition there is also a hotline for sexual assault 1-800-656-4673. Lastly, with human trafficking it is always important to trust your judgment. It is much better to be overcautious and feel stupid, rather than ignoring your judgment and being a potential victim.
World Health Organization. (2024, March 24). Violence against women. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women
Novotney, A. (2023). 7 in 10 human trafficking victims are women and girls. What are the psychological effects?. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/women-girls/trafficking-women-girls
