Women`s Empowerment and Combatting all Forms of Violence Against Women Series – How to Respond and Survive Violence?

Women`s Empowerment and Combatting all Forms of Violence Against Women Series – How to Respond and Survive Violence?

3 December 2022 | 1:00 PM | YouTube

This event was a comprehensive panel organized as part of the United Nations World Campaign by Set Them Free, dedicated to women’s empowerment and combating all forms of violence. The session featured Psychological Counselor Hatice Kubra Sarihan as an expert, who provided in-depth insights on recognizing, understanding, and responding to violence against women.

The discussion began with an acknowledgment that many women experience violence from those closest to them—often family members such as spouses, fathers, or brothers. Sarihan emphasized that violence is not limited to physical acts; it includes psychological, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse. She highlighted that violence can be subtle and insidious, such as threats, intimidation, control over finances, verbal insults, and emotional manipulation.

A key point made was that women are most vulnerable to violence from people they trust and love, which can create confusion and difficulty in recognizing abuse. Sarihan clarified that love and violence should never coexist. She also discussed cultural narratives and societal beliefs that sometimes justify or normalize violence—like sayings that imply violence is a sign of love or that it can be dismissed as part of tradition. She pointed out that such beliefs are dangerous and need to be challenged.

The panel explored different types of violence in detail:

• Physical violence: Often visible through bruises or injuries, but sometimes not easily detectable. Sarihan explained that even actions like throwing objects or blocking a person’s movement are forms of physical violence.
• Psychological and emotional violence: Including verbal insults, constant criticism, controlling behavior, and emotional manipulation. The expert stressed that these forms could lead to significant mental health issues, like depression and anxiety.
• Economic violence: Controlling a woman’s income, restricting her access to her earnings, or forcing her to ask permission for financial decisions. Examples included preventing a woman from working, making her feel responsible for household expenses, or coercing her into debt.
• Sexual violence: Within marriage or relationships, this includes forcing sexual acts, denying consent, or using threats to compel sexual activity. Sarihan emphasized that sexual violence is often unspoken but prevalent.
• Religious or cultural justification: Sarihan pointed out that some abusers misuse religious texts or cultural norms to legitimize their actions, quoting misinterpretations of religious teachings to justify violence.

The panel highlighted that women often do not report or recognize abuse, especially when it occurs repeatedly or subtly. Sarihan pointed out that signs like feeling constantly anxious, losing self-esteem, or experiencing fear in the presence of a partner are indicators of abuse. She warned against normalizing or dismissing minor incidents which perpetuates the cycle. A significant part of the discussion focused on how to support women experiencing violence. The expert speaker advised:

• Recognizing the signs of abuse early.
• Not dismissing or minimizing their experiences.
• Encouraging open, non-judgmental communication.
• Supporting their decision to seek help, whether legal, psychological, or social.

Hatice Kubra Sarihan emphasized the importance of clear boundaries, assertive communication, and professional counseling. She explained that therapy helps women rebuild self-esteem, understand their rights, and develop safety plans. She also stressed that ongoing violence requires urgent intervention, including legal action and police involvement.

Regarding legal support, Sarihan dispelled myths about the complexity of obtaining protection and emphasized that victims should:

• Contact law enforcement immediately in cases of physical danger.
• Use available legal mechanisms such as protective orders.
• Seek support from women’s organizations and legal aid services, especially in cases of domestic violence or when facing threats like false accusations or attempts to take children away.

The discussion addressed how cultural and religious misinterpretations are exploited by some abusers to justify their actions. Counselor Sarihan urged that violence is never rooted in faith or tradition, and that religious texts should be understood in context, promoting respect and compassion. The panel also provided practical advice for friends, family members, and bystanders:

• Listen empathetically without blaming or judging.
• Avoid dismissing the victim’s feelings.
• Encourage victims to seek legal and psychological support.
• Recognize that victims may feel ashamed or afraid and need reassurance and safety.

In cases where women are threatened or manipulated, she recommended that victims contact support organizations, emergency hotlines, and legal authorities. She explained that reporting violence is a strength and a crucial step towards safety. Hatice Kubra Sarihan encouraged awareness of local and international support networks, emphasizing that help is available and that no one has to endure violence alone.

Finally, Sarihan addressed the importance of deconstructing cultural myths that normalize violence, advocating for societal change through education, awareness, and legal reforms. She reiterated that violence is never justified, and everyone has a responsibility to stand against it. The event concluded with a call to action: raising awareness, supporting victims, and ensuring that violence is recognized, condemned, and ultimately eradicated. The organizers expressed hope that these discussions would foster greater understanding and empower women and their communities to break the cycle of violence.