UNSILENCED: Stories of Survival, Hope and Activism | Episode 1: Voices of Resilience (Documentary)

Summary

The video script highlights the global issue of violence against women and girls, with alarming statistics from various countries, including the U.S., Nigeria, Morocco, Albania, and Mexico. It emphasizes the severe impacts of physical and sexual violence, often perpetrated by intimate partners, and the challenges survivors face in seeking justice and support. The script also discusses the efforts of UN Women and other organizations to break the silence, transform communities, and support survivors through counseling, legal reforms, and empowerment programs, aiming to eradicate gender-based violence.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Violence against women and girls is a global issue, with 1 in 3 women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
• 👩‍👧‍👧 Violence often occurs in private spaces, with intimate partners being the most common perpetrators.
• 🇺🇸 In the United States, nearly 50% of women have reported experiencing contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner.
• 🆘 Survivors of violence frequently face difficulties accessing psychological and practical support, as well as barriers to reporting their experiences due to fear and stigma.
• 🇳🇬 In Nigeria, at least 1 in 5 women have experienced physical or sexual violence, though the true number is likely higher.
• 📚 In many regions, there is an effort to provide survivors with financial literacy and livelihood skills to help them become independent.
• 👩‍⚖️ Legal systems are evolving to better support survivors, as seen in Morocco, where efforts are being made to encourage reporting and provide justice.
• 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Programs in Timor-Leste and other countries focus on preventing violence by reshaping gender roles and creating safer environments for families.
• ♿ Women with disabilities often face additional abuse and obstacles in seeking help, highlighting the need for inclusive support services.
• 🇲🇽 Femicide and violence against migrant and refugee women, particularly in Mexico, is a major issue, with shelters playing a critical role in protecting those in dangerous situations.

Q & A

What percentage of women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime?

According to the United Nations, one in three women worldwide will experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.

Who are the most common perpetrators of violence against women?

Violence against women and girls is often perpetrated by those closest to them, such as intimate partners.

What is the reported rate of contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States?

Almost 50% of women in the United States report having experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.

What are some of the barriers survivors face when reporting gender-based violence?

Survivors often struggle with fear, shame, and social stigma, which prevents many from coming forward to report or share their experiences.

What is the percentage of Moroccan women who report acts of violence?

In Morocco, only 10% of women report acts of violence, despite 80% of women experiencing at least one act of violence in their lifetime.

What role do traditional gender roles play in perpetuating violence in Timor-Leste?

Traditional gender roles in Timor-Leste contribute to the perpetuation of violence, and programs are being developed to challenge these roles and reconsider the impact of violence on all family members.

How prevalent is violence against women in Albania?

One in every two women in Albania experiences some form of violence during their lifetime.

What additional challenges do women with disabilities face in escaping violence?

Women with disabilities suffer further abuse specifically related to their disability and face significant obstacles in accessing support to escape violence.

What specific dangers do migrant and refugee women face in Mexico?

Migrant and refugee women, especially indigenous women, are vulnerable to multiple forms of violence, including gender-based sexual violence from criminal gangs and human traffickers.

What is the global average number of women or girls killed by family members every hour?

On average, more than five women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their own family.