Today on November 25th, WFAD commemorates Orange Day: The Day of Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls and applaud this year’s theme to Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.

The earliest interaction for a child usually occurs in the family, children and youth may develop certain vulnerabilities through the interaction within the family and with parents who are not able to nurture them. Further to this may be difficulties associated with the larger environment of poor health, and socially or economically marginalised environments. Existing research on the prevention of substance use dependency and disorders shows that “while family-based strategies are almost consistently providing as good effects for girls as for boys, school- and community-based strategies often fail girls. Girls are more affected by family problems and more protected by family bonding and supervision.” (source int standards). Prevention has a mediating factor, in that it not only supports the prevention of substance use and addiction but if done right, increases school achievement, and mental health, and supports the development of healthy and safe children and youth. If done right, prevention through family skills programmes, non-violent coping mechanisms for children and youth, and building skills to manage child behaviour through positive reinforcement and gender-equitable relations we can also prevent violence from occurring. Preventing violence on a larger scale is interlinked with tackling poverty, inequality, school achievements and other societal issues.

As we work to advocate for comprehensive services and a continuum of care – we cannot forget to strengthen prevention and we must address the benefits of evidence-based prevention that is gender-sensitive, age-appropriate and contextualised to local needs.

To strengthen the work around early detection, and prevention, we also need to be able to follow developments. Without knowing where we are locally, regionally, and nationally it is hard to know which political decisions or the services provided are the right ones – meaning we need to map, monitor and evaluate, we need to be flexible and have localised data from which we base our prevention activities. We need family-based approaches, community-led engagement and community ownership. Child-centred interventions and a strength-based approach – incorporating young people themselves in activities. Including young people, in schools, playgrounds, communities and homes.

Most of all we need to invest in Prevention! And ensure our governments, funders, etc. understand that this is long term – takes time. If we do good, evidence-based prevention, our children and youth will be sure to reap the rewards.

Thus, as we call on governments to invest in prevention – we chime into UN Women on their worldwide call: Invest in prevention to eradicate violence against women and girls.

“Every effort invested in preventing violence against women is a step towards a safer, more equal and prosperous world.

Violence costs us all.

Join us in demanding investments and actions to end it.”

UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls | UN Women – Headquarters

When highlighting the need for family-based prevention strategies we cannot allow the prevention of violence against children or women to go unheard, as this prevention

The primary objectives in early childhood development include establishing secure attachments with caregivers, cultivating age-appropriate language abilities, and fostering executive cognitive functions like self-regulation, as well as promoting pro-social attitudes and skills. The most effective support for acquiring these functions and skills is provided within the framework of a nurturing family and community.

The limited research that exists indicates that, while family-based strategies are almost consistently providing as good effects for girls as for boys, school- and community-based strategies often fail girls. Girls are more affected by family problems and more protected by family bonding and supervision – What these results show, is that they are consistent with family factors of vulnerability and resilience.

Much like drug policy, Most of all we need to invest in Prevention! And ensure our governments, funders, etc. understand that this is long term – takes time. If we do good, evidence-based prevention, our children and youth will be sure to reap the rewards.

“Violence against women and girls disrupts peace and stability within families and communities. It triggers myriad costs to societies in healthcare, education, social protection, justice and productivity, preventing economies from achieving their full potential. The solution lies in robust responses, including investment in prevention.”

UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls | UN Women – Headquarters