Message by the Slovenian President on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Ljubljana, 25. 11. 2020 | press release, speech
Message by the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
"Any violence is unacceptable. Today we are marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Unfortunately, it is still a too common form of violence, the direct or indirect victims of which are also children.
The severe crisis that hit us this year after the outbreak of the invisible new coronavirus only made the situation behind the four walls of our homes worse.
Conflicts in many families are further deepened by the disease, job loss and a completely unpredictable future. They are all too often reflected in psychological or even physical violence of all types.
For many, when violence comes to light it is already too late.
That is why it is very important that anyone who sees violence speaks out about it.
State bodies, as well as many non-governmental organisations, are here to help. Call, seek help.
Let us become a society with zero tolerance for violence; a society which is able to prevent violence even in a crisis, and if it does occur, to take care of its victims and effectively prosecute the perpetrators.
Let this year's international day especially emphasise that all forms of violence must be identified —including verbal and psychological —as perpetrators use it merely to prey on the weak, subjugate and trap them in a situation from which it is difficult to escape, especially in times of crisis.
Silence about violence is not and cannot be golden. Each of us can take at least a small step in this fight; a step which will help send a strong and unequivocal message that violence is never acceptable, and so this international day will not be just one in a string of many."