Becoming witnesses to counter gender-based violence

25 November is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. According to data from the World Health Organisation, one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in her life. According to Istat, almost 7 million women in Italy have suffered some form of physical or psychological violence.

It is a dramatically ever-present, deep-rooted problem that is difficult to combat. Many actions are needed to combat violence: raising awareness, promoting concrete actions, guaranteeing victims assistance and services, and above all promoting a culture of respect, inclusion and equality. Everyone can do their part.

A decisive, often underestimated role is played by witnesses or 'bystanders' - people who unwittingly witness situations of violence without being directly involved. They find themselves in a position to act and report episodes of violence, but often choose not to intervene. Out of fear, insecurity, minimisation of incidents, or lack of knowledge about what to do. Yet overcoming violence also involves breaking the silence, promoting collective responsibility, and guaranteeing protection for active witnesses.

Violence against women manifests itself in many forms. If their economic independence is recognised as the first weapon against violence, it is in the workplace, while striving to achieve their economic independence, that women all too often come up against another form of violence, that of harassment. Harassment in the workplace is a widespread dimension, which, also in the aftermath of the #MeToo, has attracted the attention of scholars in the social sciences for its devastating impacts on the world of work, not only for the victims, but also for the working environment.

Women who experience harassment are more likely than others to leave the labour market or change jobs, even at the cost of career regression. The working environment deteriorates, with negative consequences not only for equality and inclusion but also for workers' productivity. We are talking about sexist comments, unwanted physical contact, digital abuse, threats, stalking or sexual pressure. ISTAT estimates that 13.5 per cent of women aged 15-70 who work or have worked have experienced sexual harassment at work in their lifetime, and 2.4 per cent of men.