Monaco is Involved in the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

On Wednesday 28 November 2018, the Principality of Monaco will take part in the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.  This day, which was created on the initiative of the United Nations, will highlight the importance of preventing this type of violence and dealing with it through the measures put in place by the Prince's Government and by the voluntary sector in the Principality.

This day is coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs and is the result of a joint reflection by the Prince's Government and the National Council, the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Freedoms and for Mediation and associations involved in this cause, in particular Femmes Leaders Mondiales Monaco, "She can He can," Pink Ribbon, Action Innocence, the Union des Femmes Monégasques, the Zonta Club and the Soroptimist Club of Monaco.

There are various types of violence.  However, they are not always visible, and well before pushing and hitting occurs, there is often an escalation of abusive behaviour and intimidation.  In the Principality, various players take care of women who are victims of violence.  The Princess Grace Hospital can provide an entry point for these victims, who are cared for and referred by healthcare professionals and social workers to the judicial and/or social spheres, depending on the situation.  The Association d'Aide aux Victimes d'Infractions Pénales (Association for the Assistance of Victims of Crime) (A.V.I.P.) dealt with 28 cases of conjugal and family violence between January and November 2018.

This day is an opportunity to raise public awareness by means of a poster campaign and a conference for the general public on Wednesday 28 November 2018, at 6 p.m., in the Auditorium of Monaco's Vocational and Catering School (Lycée Technique et Hôtelier de Monaco).  It will be hosted by Ms. Karine Lambert, Vice-President of the Euro-Mediterranean Academic and Scientific Network on Women and Gender (RUSEMEG).  This year's theme will be "Violence against women: understanding it to eradicate it."

In addition, in connection with this day devoted to combating violence against women, on Thursday 22 November, at 8.30 p.m., the Princess Grace Theatre presented the play "Le Ventre de la Baleine" ("The Belly of the Whale"), a love story that gradually turns towards domestic violence.  The Belgian author Stanislas Cotton depicts the complex mechanism that draws a couple into this victim/executioner relationship;  a poignant, universal performance.  The play was followed by a discussion with the audience, in the presence of the author and the actress.

Finally, as a mark of solidarity, the Principality's iconic buildings will be illuminated in orange (the official colour of the "UN Women" campaign) on Sunday 25 November 2018, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.