One in every three women raped, beaten or abused

The 16 Days Campaign is underway, which began on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November, and ends on International Human Rights Day on 10 December.

The campaign by an array of international organizations highlights the importance of gender-related issues, such as conflict, sexual violence and HIV & AIDS. This year, it focuses on how conflict situations can affect or create violence against women.

“In many cases, there’s still acceptance of this violence,” says Tanja Haque, Gender Advisor at the Catholic Overseas Development Agency. “In many cases there is just sheer silence. I know that uncovering such violence can be hard but we cannot be silent anymore.”

Haque says that violence against women is increasing: One in every three women will be raped, beaten or abused in her lifetime.

“It is more dangerous to be a woman in the Democratic Republic of Congo than a soldier,” she told Vatican Radio.

Listen to Tanja Haque’s full interview with Kelsea Brennan-Wessels: