Activists and leaders the world over are joining forces to recognize this day which continues to be of particular importance because women continue to be subjected to physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse. No country is free of this scourge, including our below U.S.A.

• Women in this country experience 2 million injuries and 1200 deaths per year as a result of domestic violence.
• 1 in 3 teens will experience dating abuse!

And across the world, the statistics boggle the mind.

• In some countries, up to 70% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence by men.
• Rape and violent sexual assault has been used as a tool of war in Vietnam, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Darfur, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Chechnya, Afghanistan and Iraq, just to name a few.
• More than 80% of trafficking victims are women.
• Up to 130 million women have been genitally mutilated.

In a statement, Vice President Biden said:

"Violence against women is found in every culture around the world. It is one of our most pervasive global problems, yet it is preventable. When gang rape is a weapon of war, when women are beaten behind closed doors, or when young girls are trafficked in brothels and fields - we all suffer. This violence robs women and girls of their full potential, causes untold human suffering, and has great social and economic costs. On this 10th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, I urge all Americans to join with the international community in calling for an end to these abuses."

What can you do?

Join our Dating Abuse Campaign. Last spring, Do Something launched a massive 1in3 initiative to fight teen dating abuse and YOU told us loud and clear “Let’s fight teen dating abuse!” Because no matter if it’s physical, verbal, mental or digital abuse, teen dating abuse needs to stop. We’re partnering with Liz Claiborne Inc. to launch a campaign to empower you to take action around teen dating abuse. Check out our Action Center for ideas on how to get started or post a project if you already have a great idea of our own. Report back so we can highlight all the awesome stuff you’re doing.