The 8 March 2016 marks International Women’s Day. Globally, we all unite to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. However, progress towards true gender parity has decelerated in many places across the world. Thus, urgent action is required in order to expedite this process again and achieve gender equality.

Violence against women is arguably one major factor in slowing the process of achieving gender equality. Gender based violence remains one of the most prevalent forms of human rights violations worldwide. This global phenomenon must be addressed in order to achieve gender parity. An explanation for this pandemic is that some women still hold low social and economic status. Therefore, economic empowerment of women can provide a protective factor against gender based violence, through access to resources and adequate employment opportunities that would enable women to prevent and escape abusive relationships and exploitive situations.

Violence against women includes but is not limited to sexual violence, domestic violence and abuse, trafficking and harmful practices such as forced marriage, female genital mutilation and so called honour-based violence.

Here at TV Edwards we have a team of specialist accredited solicitors who work can work closely with other local agencies and provide advice on all of the options open to you. So, if you are concerned that you or someone you know is facing any form of the violence mentioned above, please contact us on 020 3440 8000 or email us at enquiries@tvedwards.com