While feminists worldwide advocate the message of, “women’s rights are human rights,” gender-based violence remains one of the most notable human rights violations. The Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN) partnered with Nevada Cares to educate students on gender-based violence during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from Nov. 25 through Dec. 16.

According to UN Women, “one in three women and girls worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.” These forceful behaviors include, but are not limited to, sexual harassment and/or assault, dating and/or domestic violence and stalking. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these alarming numbers in 2020.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN) recognizes the three week long holiday and provides necessary resources and educational materials to students, faculty and staff.

Although recognizing systems and behaviors of violence towards women is crucial to providing opportunities to heal, bystanders hold influence in fostering a healthy environment for genders to coexist in. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes gender-based violence as a public health issue, as it impacts individual and societal performances. Preventing gender-based violence begins with teaching safe and healthy relationship skills, introducing empowering programming, creating protective environments, strengthening economic support and providing the necessary aid for survivors.

Ways to Participate:

• Engage in discussions on how to dismantle rigid views on masculinity
• Donate to the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women
• Volunteer at Safe Embrace
• Urge elected officials to ensure policies to ensure funding and support policy for victims of gender-based violence.

By participating in this international campaign, Nevada ASUN and Nevada Cares hope to foster a safe environment for survivors of gender-based violence. Although it is not an exhaustive list, both of the organizations compiled a list of local and national resources to further assist survivors through recovery.

Local Resources:

Northern Nevada –

Crisis Support Services of Nevada: 775-784-8090 (Hotline)
Awaken
Safe Embrace: 775-322-3466 (Hotline)
Tu Casa Latina

Las Vegas –

SafeNest
The Shade Tree of Las Vegas
S.A.F.E. House
Interfaith Hospitality Network: 702-638-8806 (Hotline)

National Resources –

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
The National Network to Eliminate Domestic Violence
RAINN: Rape Abuse Incest National Network
Stalking Resource Center

From Nov. 25 to Dec. 16, Nevada ASUN will release a series of blog posts intended to educate students, faculty and staff on gender-based violence. The links below serve as a table of contents for other blog posts related to gender-based violence during the 16-day period.