Tell the Russian Federation: women need a safe place to lay their heads
There are many problems facing women in Russia today. Every day 36,000 women in the Russian Federation are beaten by their husbands and partners, and every forty minutes a woman is killed by domestic violence. Police often refuse to take reports or to otherwise interfere with the violence. When they do take reports, the justice system has little to offer a woman in the way of protection. Restraining orders are difficult to come by and at one point there were only 8 shelters in the entire country for women fleeing domestic violence and trafficking. Finally, women are often blamed for domestic violence by their families and communities.
Sadly, the situation is similar in many places across Europe. Amnesty International is working in concert with two campaigns to raise awareness and create some change in the Russian Federation and across Europe. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the US and 2006 is also the Council of Europe's Year of Campaign against Domestic Violence in Europe.
- Take Action Online
Some of the actions will be focused on opening more shelters. Others will be addressing the legal system. The 4th action will be directed towards the US Government asking them to provide more foreign assistance to combat domestic violence.
Week One: End Domestic violence in the Russian Federation
The Russian authorities are failing to protect women from family violence. Those women who do ask for protection and justice often encounter a lack of political will and practical support mechanisms. Write to the Public Health Minister, asking him to ensure that funds are allocated for shelters and other services, to make training available to police, and to push for legislation criminalizing domestic violence.
Take action online now »
Download the sample petition for this action: PDF
Download the sample letter for this action: RTF
Check back every week
Every week in October, we'll present another action about domestic violence in Europe.
Send Pillow Petitions
Back up your message by gathering pillow cases and asking your group members or people to come to your table to write messages on the pillow cases. Display your pillow case petitions as a supplement to the Clothesline Petition. After you're finished using them in your community send them to AIUSA's Office in Washington DC. We will deliver them to officials.
Download the Action Guide for more information on how to create, display and send pillow case petitions.
Plan or Join Events in Your Community
October 2nd is a "Day of Unity." Many women's organizations across the country are planning public events. Join the efforts of a coalition in your area or organize your own event either on the 2nd or any time during the month. Join efforts already planned in your community or organize your own events.
Download the Action Guide for more information on how to find groups and events in your area and tips for interacting with other groups on this issue.
- Learn More
Read Amnesty's reports and new items on domestic violence in the Russian Federation
- Russian Federation: Nowhere to turn to: Violence against women in the family
- Russian Federation: Government Fails to Adequately Address Epidemic of Violence Against Women
- Russian Federation:Violence against women must not be ignored
- Russian Federation: Media Invite -- No to violence against women
