The Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, Commission on Gender Equity, and other City agencies today began New York City’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual global campaign to raise awareness about the far-reaching consequences of gender-based violence and to urge government, community, corporate, and philanthropic sectors to develop strategies that eliminate gender-based violence.
“Having experienced the painful trauma of domestic violence within my own family as a child, I know firsthand the importance of tapping into our collective resources to bring justice and safety to every person who has been a victim and survivor of gender-based domestic violence. As a community, we must dedicate ourselves to ensuring that those impacted by gender-based domestic violence don’t just survive — they thrive. This robust initiative will help bring those trapped within domestic violence’s stronghold out of the darkness to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
From November 25 (International Day to End Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day), New Yorkers are encouraged to participate in the campaign by using the Action Kit and attending events around the city.
“New Yorkers face gender-based violence every day, and many don’t know the resources that exist for those suffering to get help. We must do a better job at getting that information out to people, and this campaign will help do just that. With better education and resources we can put an end to gender-based violence,” said State Senator Diane Savino.
Since 2014, New York City has brought this critical international campaign to the local level as part of its work to address gender-based violence. In 2018, over 12,000 New Yorkers took action against gender-based violence across the five boroughs through dozens of outreach events and programs.
“As we prepare for 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, let us remember our immigrant neighbors who are fleeing such violence and seeking asylum in our city. We must not allow the Trump Administration to succeed in dehumanizing immigrants out of existence by making the laughable claim that immigrants fleeing gender-based violence are not eligible for asylum. We cannot allow anyone to live in fear, and I commend the Commission and the Mayor’s Office for fighting back,” said Council Member Carlos Menchaca.
“The courage of those who have stepped up to share their stories of sexual harassment, violence, and misogyny has helped build a powerful movement to change our laws and our norms. Each and every one of us has a role in calling out these toxic behaviors,” said Council Member Brad Lander
Council Member Farah Louis said, “Gender-based violence affects each of us, no matter your gender identity or expression. I am thankful for the Action Kit that the Commission on Gender Equity and the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) have compiled that identifies quantifiable steps we can take, together, to reduce gender-based violence in our communities. It is my hope that this campaign will help raise awareness of consent across all ages— particularly our youth and teach us the importance of compassionate, supportive listening, all while rallying support for survivors. I encourage all New Yorkers to join the fight against gender-based violence as Upstanders today and every day.”
Join the Campaign View the 2019 events calendar here. If you have questions about the Campaign, you can email: genderequity@cityhall.nyc.gov.
