5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Fight Violence Against Women
Let’s get real — violence against women is a global crisis. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. And in the U.S. alone, nearly 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physically violence or stalking by an intimate partner. These aren’t just numbers—they’re people’s lives that are disrupted, their futures stolen, and potential crushed.
Does this feel overwhelming? It can feel that way. But the truth is, tackling this issue doesn’t require superpowers or big bank accounts (of which we have neither).
But there are practical steps that you can take today to help make the world safer for women. Here are five of them:
1. Call Out Misogyny—No More Passes
Misogyny thrives on silence. When someone cracks a sexist joke or dismisses a woman’s experience, it’s easy to brush it off. Don’t. The small stuff adds up to a culture that normalizes harm.
🛠 Pro Tip: Keep it simple. A quick, “Not cool,” or “What do you mean by that?” can shut it down without drama.
📊 Did You Know? An American Journal of Preventative Medicine study found that bystander-based programs have shown promise to reduce sexual violence and related forms of interpersonal violence. Silence? Not so much.
2. Be an Active Ally to Survivors
Survivors of violence often feel isolated and unsupported. You can change that. Whether it’s donating to shelters, offering a ride to a counseling appointment, or simply listening without judgment, your support matters more than you know.
🛠 Pro Tip: Set up a recurring donation to a local domestic violence shelter—it doesn’t have to break the bank to make a difference.
📊 Stat Alert: The majority of survivors’ unmet requests (54%) are for emergency shelter, hotels, motels, transitional housing, and other housing because many programs are still underfunded.
3. Get Smart and Spread the Word
Not sure what trauma bonding or coercive control looks like? Time to hit Google or our website. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to help someone—or even recognize red flags in your own life. Knowledge is power, and sharing it is contagious.
🛠 Pro Tip: Share a podcast or article about abusive dynamics in your group chats. It’s low effort, high impact.
📊 Quick Fact: Coercive control occurs in up to 58% of Intimate Partner Violent (IPV) relationships.
4. Use Tech to Fight Back
For all its flaws, technology can be a lifesaver—literally. Personal safety apps like Noonlight, bSafe, and even Apple’s Emergency SOS are designed to keep you connected in dangerous situations.
🛠 Pro Tip: Download one of these apps and share it with someone you care about. Better yet, set it up for them—it only takes a few minutes.
📊 Reality Check: 85% of women globally have experienced online harassment or witnessed it against other women. Sharing safety tools and tips can help combat tech-enabled abuse.
5. Demand Change—Loudly
Think calling your representative is a waste of time? Think again. Lawmakers need to hear from you. Whether it’s pushing for stronger anti-stalking laws, increased funding for shelters, or protections against workplace harassment, your voice matters.
🛠 Pro Tip: Don’t know where to start? Organizations like RAINN and the National Network to End Domestic Violence make it easy to send pre-written letters to your representatives.
📊 Did You Know? Increased public pressure has led to 29 states strengthening domestic violence laws in the past decade. Your voice can help drive more change.
The Bottom Line
We all have a role to play in creating a safer world for women. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up. By calling out misogyny, supporting survivors, educating yourself, leveraging technology, and advocating for systemic change, you can be part of the solution.
🎤 Your Turn: Which of these steps will you take first? Action is everything.
