International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

The following blog contains information around domestic violence. If you are currently experiencing domestic violence and need crisis support, call 1800-RESPECT - 1800 737 732. If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 000.

Tuesday, 25 November 2025 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – a time to come together against violence that affects women and children worldwide.

This year the theme is ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’ addressing the surge in online forms of violence including cyberstalking, image-based abuse, and the spread of hate speech.

UnWomen is calling on action as part of its 16 Days of Activism for safer platforms and stronger laws and accountability to protect women and girls from digital violence. According to UNWomen, every 10 minutes a woman is killed and 1 in 3 women experience violence in their lifetime with 60% of female homicides committed by partners or family members.

At the Benevolent Society, we have a Centre for Women, Children and Family Health. The service offers domestic and family violence support for women and families where individuals and families have access to counselling, financial assistance, family therapy, court support and advocacy.

Manager of Child Youth and Family Roweena speaks not only of the challenges many women and families face within the community, but also the frontline staff who fight the systems in place every day.

“Often ongoing violence or murders happen after someone’s been released on bail or prison or there’s been breaches. I think one of the key things we must do is to hold perpetrators accountable for their behaviour and we need systems to be able to do that – not just one person.”

Roweena believes local authorities should have greater power to recommend and enforce appropriate bail conditions, as well as maintain a perpetrator list in NSW that women can refer to if they meet someone new. She also says holding fathers and men accountable for their choices around violence, and supporting their healing for the benefit of their children and families, is essential to breaking cycles of trauma and abuse.

“We have therapeutic childcare, child and adolescent and youth programs and for young people in particular, we have a Staying Home Leaving Violence Service as well as Foundations for Young Parents that support children with community and school programs and playgroups.”

For more information about UNWomen and the 16 days of activism visit here.

To find out more about our services supporting women and families, call us directly on 1800 236 762.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

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