**”Time for Women Without Violence”: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women**
On November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a 16-day campaign of activism has been initiated by the Women’s Institute of Baja California. This campaign aims to raise awareness and prevent violence against women in the region.
Mónica Vargas Núñez, head of the Women’s Institute in Baja California, highlighted that psychological violence remains the most prevalent form of violence in the state. “It’s complex as it leaves no visible marks but affects one’s emotional wellbeing, which can be passed down through generations. This cycle is what we aim to break,” she explained.
Psychological violence often begins with hurtful words or insults and can escalate to physical violence if not addressed. The institute’s campaign focuses on prevention, support, and autonomy, particularly targeting teenagers and peace-building women networks, alongside training public officials and certifying personnel at both the state and municipal levels.
In areas like Natura, Urbi Villa del Prado, and Pedregal de Santa Julia in Tijuana, violence against women is notably high. Thus, the institute plans to hold events across various municipalities, providing workshops and essential prevention information. “It’s crucial to address and eradicate violence at an early age. It’s time for women, but more importantly, for women without violence,” Vargas emphasized.
Candelaria Márquez, Director of the Municipal Women’s Institute in Tijuana, mentioned the increasing cases of digital violence, with an average of six women daily seeking help for various kinds of violence. Women aged 25 to 35 are most affected by online blackmail. Thanks to the Law of Olympia, victims receive guidance on how to file complaints, and legal advice is provided in collaboration with CEJUM.
“Unfortunately, many still don’t recognize the signs of violence. There are still those who believe, ‘if he doesn’t hit me, it’s not violence,'” Márquez lamented.
Adriana Milanés Salas, of the Foundation Entwined Hands, stressed that personnel training remains one of the biggest challenges due to high turnover rates, particularly in the Municipal Police. “For seventeen years, we’ve worked to prevent abuse and violence against women, and this work continues to grow. It’s vital to equip children and young people with tools to build a world without violence,” she stated.
Although Eastern Tijuana exhibits the highest rates of sexual abuse and femicide, gender violence transcends social class and economic status, affecting women from all walks of life. Milanés urged women not to remain silent. “We still have a long way to go to ensure proper judicial processes, but we implore you to report acts of violence. Speak up, please report them. Together we are stronger,” she encouraged.
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**Additional News: Global Campaigns Spotlighting Violence against Women**
As awareness for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women gains traction globally, various countries are deploying new strategies and campaigns. For instance, a recent report highlighted that data-driven approaches in certain cities have successfully identified high-risk areas for domestic violence, enabling local authorities to allocate resources more effectively. Additionally, countries like Australia and Canada are exploring legal reforms to address gender-based violence, focusing on improving support services for survivors and enhancing penalties for perpetrators. These global movements reflect a growing commitment to eliminate violence against women worldwide and underscore the importance of unified action and policy reform in tackling this pervasive issue.