OP-ED: Nov. 25: Recognizing violence against women as an epidemic
On Nov. 25, 1960, the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic were brutally murdered for standing against dictatorship and injustice. Their courage prompted the United Nations to declare this date the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 1999. This day marks the beginning of 16 days of activism, culminating in International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10. It is a global effort to bring awareness to an epidemic that continues to devastate the lives of women and girls worldwide.
Through my own journey in recovery, I’ve come to understand how addiction is recognized as an epidemic-a crisis that needs significant attention and immediate action. Violence against women must be regarded with the same importance. Studies show that 40%- to-60% of domestic violence cases involve substance use disorders, demonstrating the confluence of these two epidemics. Addiction can fuel violence, while the trauma from violence often perpetuates substance use, creating a cycle of destruction that affects countless lives.
Women in abusive relationships are also more likely to experience barriers to recovery. The control and manipulation often employed by abusers, such as restricting access to treatment or money, can make it nearly impossible for survivors to seek help. This dynamic reinforces the urgent need to recognize and address the connection between addiction and violence as a public health crisis.
More than 10 million people are abused each year in the United States, which represents about 3% of the population. These incredible numbers reveal the pervasive nature of abuse and the urgent need for systemic change. Worldwide, an estimated 35% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence, and in intimate relationships, that figure can reach up to 70%. These numbers are not just statistics-they represent individuals whose hurt often goes unaddressed.
Without sufficient evidence, like medical records or eyewitness testimony, it can be nearly impossible to prove abuse beyond a reasonable doubt. This silences far too many voices. In Washington County, the impact of domestic violence is deeply felt. In 2021, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported that three individuals lost their lives due to domestic violence incidents in our county. Even more concerning is the lack of resources for those seeking help. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), in a single day in 2022, over 11,000 requests for services went unmet across the United States due to a lack of resources, such as insufficient staff, housing, or funding. These unmet needs leave survivors without vital support.
Recognizing violence against women as an epidemic means treating it with the seriousness it demands. It means challenging harmful misconceptions, such as the belief that intimate partner violence doesn’t occur in same-sex relationships. In truth, 43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women report experiencing violence in their relationships. These numbers remind us that our efforts must be inclusive and far-reaching.
Violence against women undermines the dignity of individuals, fractures families, and weakens communities. Yet, it is preventable. Today, we can take action by supporting survivors, advocating for stronger protections, and educating ourselves about the signs of abuse.
The same determination we apply to addressing addiction as an epidemic must be directed toward ending violence against women. It is our duty to honor the strength of survivors and work toward a safer future for everyone. As Desmond Tutu once said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
William Kosinski is a graduate student in the social work program at PennWest University.