Zonta Announces International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Barbara Crimond | Nov 26, 2018 | Comments 0
AN OPPORTUNITY TO START PROCESS
OF TEACHING RESPECT FOR OTHERS
LAMAR, COLORADO
On November 25th, Zonta Clubs in the Rocky Mountain Region and throughout the world will commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This is a day where we not only remember the 1 in 3 women worldwide who experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime but also the thousands of women killed each year by their intimate partners. It is estimated that as many as 38% of murders of women are committed by a male intimate partner.
Instead of just remembering the terrible violence that occurs each year, Zonta Club of Prowers County is using this day as an opportunity to remind the community that a few simple steps can begin to break the cycle of continued violence against women. “First and foremost, we encourage parents to discuss sexual consent with their high school and college age children”, Kathy McCorkle said. “Many of our young men and women are being sent out into the world without a discussion of how ‘No Means No’ and the importance of keeping the person you are with safe.”
Zonta also believes that our children need to learn about the culture of respect in order to develop appropriate relationships as adults. Children and teenagers learn plenty of bad habits from their peers when adults are not present “It is time to provide a consistent message about how to disagree without resorting to violence, and how respect builds a better relationship than fear,” McCorkle continued. A culture of respect is best learned from a wide group of members of the community including parents, teachers, sport coaches, church workers, neighbors, and all adults who interact with children.
Studies show that violence often escalates during the holiday season. Zonta encourages everyone to remember to use this season to set an example of respect. Only then can we begin to break the cycle of violence, especially gender-based violence.
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