Starting today, 2025, ask yourself this: When you come across the words Violence Against Women online, do you stop and take notice, feel interested in reading further about the subject, or simply scroll past?
Many of us have become desensitised to the many harsh realities of today’s society. Senseless violence against women has dominated our social media feeds for far too long: news reports of yet another domestic homicide, widespread outrage over another femicide in the street, or campaigns pleading with the government for meaningful change.
You probably know the statistics: in 2020, for instance, some 47,000 women and girls were killed by their intimate partners or other family members, according to the United Nations. That works out at a woman or girl being killed every 11 minutes by someone in her own family. Indeed, in a new report published in November 2024, they claimed a woman or girl is killed by a member of her own family every 10 minutes. Can you see beyond the numbers? For many women, these facts and figures are not revelations; they are simply painful reminders of what they have endured and the strength it took to survive.
You know, violence against women is not inevitable. Women shouldn’t have to live their lives in tears at the brunt of male violence, constantly adjusting their routines to keep themselves safe, and wondering whether they can still trust the police and others who are supposed to protect them.
Here’s how you personally can help end violence against women:
- Listen to survivors
It takes a lot of strength for victim survivors to speak about their experiences. I urge everybody to approach these moments with trust, empathy, and genuine compassion. Most importantly, listen carefully. It’s not just about what someone says—it’s often about how they say it or even what remains unsaid.
I also urge everybody to believe survivors. If we are not concerned by the multitude of reasons preventing so many victim survivors from coming out of the shadows, then we probably need to have a huge rethink about whether we even care about ending violence against women.
One in four women will face domestic abuse in their lifetime, yet survivors’ experiences are too often dismissed, trivialised, or ignored. This failure to believe them directly endangers all women. Believing someone brave enough to share their story is a powerful act that acknowledges the depth of this crisis.
- Educate yourself
Why was she so drunk, or why was she dressed that way, if she did not want attention?
If he treated her so badly, why didn’t she leave him much earlier?
Why did it take her so long to speak about the abuse?
Most of us unconsciously harbour various myths and misconceptions about violence against women, which may spread a culture of normalised violence. Probably the best counter to such beliefs is educating ourselves on the issue, through paying closer attention to news, reading relevant books and conducting research, or listening to some of the great podcasts out there.
- Call out your friends
I believe, this one is most relevant to us men. If you hear one of your friends crack a misogynistic joke that clearly indicates a toxic mindset, why not call them out on it? You don’t have to fall out about it; it can be as simple as saying, “Hey, really?” You might be surprised how effective a simple questioning of someone’s comment can be.
- Speak up
There are many ways to speak out against violence against women, from having open conversations about the issue to sharing informative and impactful content on social media.
If you discuss this subject with others and start to think someone you know is being abused, help them to realise that free and confidential support is available from several specialist support organisations in their area. Believe, support, and encourage them, offer unconditional help, and never ever judge them.
- Volunteer
Our time has become more and more valuable, so all of us need and want to invest it wisely. If you wish to dedicate some of your time to helping, rest assured that whatever your skills or passions, there is always an opportunity to support one of the many great organisations out there. I know your support, in whatever form, will be deeply appreciated and can truly make a difference.
- Disengage from rape culture
Rape culture, described by Rape Crisis England & Wales as a “society where sexual violence and abuse is normalise, played down, and laughed off,” pervades all parts of life.
Rape culture thrives when it goes unchallenged; let’s oppose those people with highly patriarchal, toxic, and fundamentally wrong opinions and mindsets.
- Promote healthy relationships and better sex education
It is obvious that prevention is by far the most effective way of ending violence against women and girls, and this must begin with better education surrounding sex and relationships (RSE).
Many experts in this field from around the world are calling for schools and colleges to provide RSE from the age of 16 years, or even as early as 14 years.
This level of education should also come from loving parents. Parents of boys should emphasise how a kind and respectful man conducts himself. Parents of girls, likewise, should highlight to their daughters what a loving and healthy relationship is all about and, importantly, what acts or behaviours by a male partner are inappropriate, alarming, or even dangerous.
- Fundraise
You don’t need to break world records, run through deserts or the Arctic, or take part in a world-famous marathon. Nor do you need to raise millions of pounds, dollars, or euros. In many developed countries, raising just £50 can provide a woman and her child with a night’s stay in a refuge—a small act that can make a life-changing difference. Every contribution helps, and every contribution is deeply appreciated.
- Use social media wisely
Social media is essentially a virtual cesspit full of misogynistic rubbish. While it may seem unlikely to change, there are innovative digital ‘safe’ spaces where female victims can unite against male perpetrators and focus on healing. Some platforms are specific to sexual assault survivors, and there are various social networks built precisely to make it easier for women to find support from other women in a virtual space free of harassment, comparison culture, and digital misogyny that still characterises most other platforms.
You can also use more conventional forms of social media—say, Facebook or X—to hold influencers, the police, or politicians to account, promote end violence against women campaigns, and show solidarity with survivors of male violence.
- Donate to charities
By far, one of the most effective and low-effort ways to support charities campaigning against gender-based violence is by funding them. Even small donations can make a significant difference, especially if more of us recognise their value,
Every few second, somebody contacts a specialised support organisation somewhere in the world, and this is often in an emergency. Such services are a lifeline to many women who seek safety during some of the darkest moments of their lives. One of the best ways you can make a difference to survivors is by providing support, fundraising, or volunteering to help.
About the Author
My name is Robert Kaiser. I have spent almost three decades developing a significant understanding of violence against women, sexual violence, specific acts of physical violence, and the individuals who perpetrate them. During those years I also had the privilege of listening to and working with hundreds of female survivors of sexual and physical violence, whose incredible help I will forever appreciate.
I’m also is the author of NEVER A VICTIM: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Safety. This comprehensive guide empowers women with the knowledge and confidence to trust their instincts and protect themselves. While it is deeply unfair that women must adapt to a world rife with violence and harassment, this book recognises the urgent need for change in men’s behaviours. Until that change comes, this trauma-informed guide equips women to navigate today’s challenges with resilience and a focus on safety.