International Human Rights Day, which took place on Monday 10th December, is a chance for all of us to reflect on what human rights mean to us as a society, and think about how the often nebulous human rights laws and principles translate into our everyday lives.
For victims of domestic abuse, the right to live free from torture, the right to life, the right not to be falsely imprisoned, and the right to enjoy a basic standard of living in dignity and without fear, are denied on a daily basis. Some victims are deprived of the right to work and the right to basic financial autonomy and support.
What is clear is that human rights are not just a far-removed theory for victims of domestic abuse – they are real, they are tangible, and they are being eroded by perpetrators.
At Women’s Aid, we fight for the rights of the women who have been affected by domestic abuse every day of the year. We believe that everyone has the right to live free from fear and abuse, and we will continue to work towards a society that it free from domestic and sexual violence, in which the rights of all are respected and upheld.
If you’d like to help us and our work, you can donate to our Emergency Fund. All proceeds go directly to help women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse.