In 1999, the United Nations declared November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, in memory of the Mirabal sisters who were murdered in the Dominican Republic in 1960 by dictator Rafael Trujillo. The Mirabal sisters were political activists who were arrested several times for their revolutionary activities and fight for justice. They became a symbol of resistance to the dictatorial regime, and were killed by Trujillo's police while returning from visiting their husbands in prison.
Every year on this day, an international campaign is launched 16 days of activism against gender-based violence with the aim of raising awareness and encouraging the prevention of violence against women and girls.
One in three women in the European Union has experienced physical or sexual violence, and violence occurs in all member states. In Croatia, compared to previous years, the number of reported crimes has increased, while the number of misdemeanors has decreased. We hereby call on all actors in society to have zero tolerance for any form of violence, because every effort invested in preventing violence against women is a step towards a safer, more equal and more prosperous world.
We would also like to point out that the long-standing provision of legal and psychosocial assistance at the BaBe Association continues to be active on a daily basis, and we invite all victims of violence to contact us with confidence at 01 4663 666 or the toll-free number 0800 200 144.
