Nov 25 - Government Supports International Day Of Eliminating Violence Against Women
Today, 25 November, is the United Nations International Day of Eliminating Violence Against Women.
The Government supports this International Day to End Violence against Women which is an opportunity for all people to recommit to preventing and halting all forms of violence against women and girls.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, "I welcome the chorus of voices calling for an end to the violence that affects an estimated one in three women in her lifetime. I applaud leaders who are helping to enact and enforce laws and change mindsets. And I pay tribute to all those heroes around the world who help victims to heal and to become agents of change."
Between 500,000 to 2 million people are trafficked annually into situations including prostitution, forced labour, slavery or servitude, according to estimates. Women and girls account for about 80 per cent of the known victims.
In Gibraltar, Samantha Sacramento, the Minister for Women and Minister for Social Services, said, ‘The Government is fully behind this UN initiative. There is absolutely no place for domestic abuse or gender-based violence in our community. Already we have been working with the relevant agencies to make a real difference in this important area of policy. No woman should ever have to endure domestic violence for one moment and my ministry and all relevant agencies are working to ensure that such violence is entirely eliminated in Gibraltar. This is not a partisan issue and I trust I will be able to count on the support of the Opposition for our work on this front.’
