Report on Women Against Abuse Initiatives for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Introduction

In observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the organization Women Against Abuse has scheduled a series of events and initiatives. This report outlines the organization’s planned activities and analyzes their direct contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the critical role of local action in achieving global targets for a peaceful, just, and equitable society.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The work undertaken by Women Against Abuse is fundamentally aligned with several key SDGs. By addressing domestic violence, the organization contributes to creating a sustainable and inclusive community in Philadelphia. The primary SDGs supported include:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The core mission of Women Against Abuse directly supports SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Specifically, the organization’s efforts are crucial for Target 5.2: “Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres.” Awareness campaigns and support services are essential mechanisms for preventing violence and providing survivors with the resources needed to achieve safety and independence.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Domestic violence poses a significant threat to physical and mental health. By providing a support system, advocacy, and safe shelter, Women Against Abuse contributes to SDG Target 3.4: “Promote mental health and well-being.” The organization’s services help mitigate the long-term health consequences of abuse for survivors and their children, fostering a healthier community.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

This goal focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. The initiatives of Women Against Abuse are integral to achieving SDG Target 16.1 (“Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere”) and Target 16.2 (“End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against… children”). By advocating for justice for survivors and working to break cycles of violence, the organization helps build stronger, more peaceful institutions and communities.

Planned Activities for Awareness Month

As detailed by Katie Young Wildes of Women Against Abuse, the organization has planned a comprehensive schedule of events for October. The objectives of these activities are multifaceted and aim to achieve the following:

1. Increase Public Awareness: Launch campaigns to educate the public on the prevalence and impact of domestic violence, thereby fostering a community intolerant of abuse.
2. Promote Available Resources: Ensure that survivors and their families are aware of the comprehensive services available, including hotlines, legal aid, and emergency housing.
3. Engage Community Stakeholders: Collaborate with local government, businesses, and community leaders to create a unified front against domestic violence.
4. Honor Survivors and Victims: Host events that provide a platform for survivor stories and memorialize victims, reinforcing the human dimension of this critical issue.

SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Article

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   The article focuses on “Women Against Abuse” and “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.” This directly addresses the issue of violence against women, which is a core component of achieving gender equality.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   Domestic violence is a fundamental violation of peace and security. The work of organizations like “Women Against Abuse” contributes to building more peaceful societies by addressing violence within the home and advocating for justice for survivors, thereby strengthening the societal institutions that protect individuals.

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   Domestic abuse has severe and lasting impacts on the physical and mental health of survivors. The efforts to raise awareness and the support services provided by the group mentioned in the article are crucial for promoting the health and well-being of those affected by violence.

Specific Targets Identified

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
  • The article’s entire focus is on an organization, “Women Against Abuse,” and events for “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.” This work is a direct effort to combat and eliminate violence against women, which primarily occurs in the private sphere.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
  • Domestic violence is a specific form of violence that this target aims to reduce. The awareness campaigns and services discussed are practical steps toward achieving this reduction.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
  • The article discusses the “work the group does,” which inherently includes providing support to survivors of abuse. This support is essential for promoting mental health and well-being, as domestic violence is a major cause of psychological trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Indicators Mentioned or Implied

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  • Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age.
  • The article does not state a specific number, but it implies this indicator. The very existence of a “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” and a dedicated organization like “Women Against Abuse” is predicated on the fact that a measurable proportion of women are subjected to this violence. The group’s work is a response to the prevalence measured by this indicator.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • Indicator 16.1.3: Proportion of population subjected to physical, psychological or sexual violence in the previous 12 months.
  • This indicator is implied by the article’s subject matter. The awareness events are designed to address and ultimately lower the proportion of the population, particularly women in Philadelphia, who are subjected to domestic violence.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  • Implied Indicator: Availability of support services for mental health and well-being.
  • While not a formal UN indicator, the article’s mention of the “work the group does” implies the provision of services (like counseling, shelter, legal aid) that are crucial for the well-being of survivors. The existence and capacity of such services can be seen as a practical indicator of progress toward promoting mental health for victims of violence.

Summary Table of Findings

Source: nbcphiladelphia.com