Aside from being a violation of women’s human rights, violence against women is a major public health problem. In particular, sexual violence is a pressing issue that can impact not only the victims but their friends, families and even communities. It presents social and economic consequences to them.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide has experienced either sexual intimate partner and/or physical violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. This kind of violence can influence women’s mental, physical, sexual and reproductive health negatively. In other settings, it can even increase the risk of getting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Sexual violence against women can be prevented. Before it can even occur, this gender-based discrimination can and should be stopped. Here are several ways to stop sexual violence based on the resource developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Encourage social Norms that Protect Against Violence.

Not only women can protect themselves from sexual assault and harassment. Even bystanders, both men and women, can play a role in preventing sexual violence. Boys and men can be allies when it comes to promoting social norms that protect women. They can be agents of change that stand up for gender equality and challenge dangerous gender beliefs, attitudes, norms and stereotypes that support female subordination. From public campaigns to community mobilisation efforts, these can all be used to raise awareness and protect women. Even harmful traditions, such as female genital mutilation, should be addressed, and attitudes towards these practices need to be transformed.

Teach Skills to put a Stop to Sexual Violence.

Safe, healthy dating and intimate relationship skills should be taught to adolescents. Adolescence is the period when many young people develop their first romantic or sexual relationships, and it is the best time to educate them about respect for themselves, as well as mutual respect for others. Boys and men should learn how to treat women and girls with respect. They should know that respect is the minimum in any relationship and that any form of violence will not solve their problems.

From an early age, children must also be taught that they are the ones who should decide who gets to touch them and where. Healthy sexuality should be promoted. The youth, both men and women, should be comfortable to discuss their feelings and values. They should also be helped to improve their skills in conflict management, interpersonal communication and shared decision-making. All of these can be done by using empowerment-based training and giving them social-emotional learning.

Provide Opportunities That can Support and Empower Girls and women.

As poverty and social norms making women inferior are one of the factors contributing to sexual violence, economic support for women and their families should be strengthened, along with the leadership and opportunities given to them. When women are given education and possibilities, they rise up strong, changing their families and communities.

Among the economic and social empowerment that women should have included microfinance with gender and empowerment training interventions, inheritance and asset ownership, collaborative action and mentoring. These interventions can help women build their self-confidence, assertiveness, self-efficacy and their negotiation skill.

Create an Environment That Protects.

Abuse and violence can happen anywhere. To stop them, a safe environment must be given to women. Effort must be done to keep schools, workplaces, public spaces and communities safe for them.

When girls are going to school, they should be able to travel through their areas and participate in school free from abuse. Schools must improve their safety and monitoring routines, as well as campus security, services that can escort students to safety at night and other safety measures. Even workplace policies must prioritise a healthy environment where women will feel safe. Whether it’s at work, in school or the community, anti-violence programs and policies must be in place.

Ensure Services That can Support Victims or Survivors of Sexual violence.

Believe in survivors and don’t blame victims. It should be reinforced in any culture that rape or any case of sexual violence is never the victim’s fault.

To support women who have been victims or survivors of sexual violence, victim-centred services must be available to them. These include a range of services, such as legal, police, health and social services. Victims should also be given treatment, as well as psychological support or counselling services. Shelters, hotlines and one-stop crisis centres are other interventions that can be considered.

Having advocacy for survivors is also helpful. These programmes can help them access social support and obtain community resources. Additionally, at-risk children and families should also be given assistance to avoid problem behaviour, such as sex offending.

Sexual violence should not be a norm. Before it can even happen, it should be stopped. Prevention is the most effective way to end such violence. As it is largely influenced by cultural factors and value, all individuals, especially the community and the society, must be involved in the prevention of sexual violence.