The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international initiative every year from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. Its goal is to draw attention to the problem of violence in all its manifestations, including physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and discrimination.
In particular, women living with HIV are often stigmatized and discriminated against, which increases their vulnerability to gender-based violence. They may face denial of medical services, blackmail, or violence from their partners. In the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) region, HIV-related stigma remains high, exacerbating their situation. LGBTIQ+ women experience double discrimination: based on gender and gender identity. This manifests itself in domestic violence, rejection by society, and lack of police protection. In some EECA countries, the criminalization of homosexuality and high levels of homophobia make access to care almost impossible. Sex workers are in one of the most vulnerable positions due to the criminalization of their activities in most EECA countries. They often experience violence from clients, pimps, and police. Fear of exposure or arrest forces them to endure violence. Drug use is usually associated with economic dependence, violence, and exploitation. Women in this group tend to avoid seeking help for fear of arrest or stigmatization.
Women from vulnerable groups require special attention in the global fight against violence. Their rights and safety should be a priority for national strategies and international initiatives. Approaches based on human rights, inclusion, and decriminalization can significantly improve their situation.
Modern technologies, such as telemedicine, offer new opportunities for assisting victims, making it more accessible, responsive, and confidential. Telemedicine allows survivors to receive support anonymously, which is important for those who fear judgment or exposure. It is precious for people living in remote areas with limited access to traditional medical or psychological services. Victims can contact a specialist at any time convenient for them, without having to travel a physical distance or risk their safety. In addition, digital platforms provide the ability to quickly reach psychologists, lawyers, or medical professionals, which is critical in acute crises.
Telemedicine services in this context include psychological assistance, remote medical consultations, and legal advice. Psychologists can provide support through video calls, audio calls, or text chats, offering individual or group therapy. Doctors help assess the health status of victims, provide first aid recommendations, or refer them to specialized facilities. Lawyers explain the rights of victims, assist in preparing documents, and provide advice on obtaining protection, such as a ban on approaching the offender. As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, telemedicine can be a tool for organizing educational webinars, creating platforms for coordinating actions between volunteers, social services, and victims, and distributing information materials. This approach makes it possible to use available resources more efficiently, making help available to more people.
Thus, telemedicine is a promising tool for combating violence and supporting victims. The integration of these technologies into the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence will help create a safe environment where help is not only accessible but also prompt and effective. The use of digital solutions can be an important step towards reducing violence and ensuring the protection of human rights.
If you or someone close to you needs urgent help, the Help24 TeleHealth online service portal provides a wide range of services, including consultations with psychologists, lawyers, and social workers, and participation in support groups. And if you need to consult an infectious disease doctor, the Help24 TeleHealth online clinic can be of great help.
Everyone deserves to live free from fear, violence, and discrimination. Technology gives us the opportunity not only to talk about change but also to actually implement it. Only together can we make the world safer - and we can start today.