Violence against women is a worldwide problem and takes many forms.  For the worldwide perspective see UN Women website for facts and figures  

For facts and figures about Violence against women in the UK see  refuge.org website

Domestic Violence

It is estimated that 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence  at some point in their lives.

It is estimated that of the 87,000 women who were intentionally killed in 2017 globally, more than half (50,000- 58 per cent) were killed by intimate partners or family members, meaning that 137 women across the world are killed by a member of their own family every day.

In England and Wales 2 women are killed each week  by intiate partners and 3 commit suicide / week as a result of domestic abuse. At least 12 women and girls are killed  each year by family members in honour killings.

What are we doing? Members work in multiple ways to help victims  by lobbying , practical support and fundraising. See our page re our work  to stop Domestic Abuse

Human Trafficking

Adult women account for nearly half (49 per cent) of all human trafficking victims detected globally. Women and girls together account for 72 per cent, with girls representing more than three out of every four child trafficking victims. More than four out of every five trafficked women and nearly three out of every four trafficked girls are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

What are we doing?  The club raises awareness about Modern Slavery and Trafficking and helped with the survey  headed up by the Modern Day slavery Training group.  Members take part in awareness raising marches in various  towns and cities including Preston, Lancaster and Blackpool.

Child Marriage

It is estimated that there are 650 million women and girls in the world today who were married before age 18. Child marriage often results in early pregnancy and social  isolation, interrupts schooling, limits the girl’s opportunities and increases her risk of experiencing domestic violence.

What are we doing?  In August 2020 Club members signed the petition calling for the retabling of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum age) Bill . The petition was instigated by  Payzee, a victim of Child Marriage and  sister of a victim of Honour based killing . Payzee spoke at an on line Seminar organised by Karma Nirvana.

FGM

At least 200 million women and girls aged 15-49 have undergone female genital mutilation in the 30 countries with representative data on prevalence. In most of these countries, the majority of girls were cut before age five. More than 20 million women and girls in just seven countries (Egypt, Sudan, Guinea, Djibouti, Kenya, Yemen and Nigeria) have undergone female genital mutilation by a health care provider.

What are we doing?  The club supports local midwife Cath Holland in her fight to stop FGM in Kenya