Sun Nov 24 04:33:46 UTC 2024: ## UN Official Urges Survivor-Centric Approach to Combatting Violence Against Women

**NEW DELHI** – A UN Women official has stressed the urgent need for a survivor-centric approach in crafting legislation to combat violence against women. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Melissa Alvarado, Regional Programme Manager for Ending Violence Against Women, highlighted the critical role of incorporating survivors’ experiences into policy development.

Alvarado emphasized that while survivors may not be legal experts, their lived experiences are invaluable in shaping effective laws and practices. She advocated for a robust feedback mechanism to ensure that legislation is continually refined based on survivor input. This, she said, is crucial not only for those who report violence but also for those who don’t, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures to reach at-risk women before situations escalate. Early identification of high-risk situations is key to preventing severe forms of violence, including domestic abuse resulting in murder or rape.

Alvarado also addressed the disproportionate impact of conflict and crises on women, noting that 70% of women in such situations experience gender-based violence. She called for the inclusion of women’s voices in crisis planning and response, and the development of social protection systems specifically addressing their vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, Alvarado urged businesses to adopt zero-tolerance policies for workplace violence against women, providing training to recognize signs of abuse and support for affected employees and customers.

Alvarado’s statements come against the backdrop of 1,583 legislative measures across 193 countries aimed at addressing violence against women, according to UN data. However, the emphasis on a survivor-centric approach underscores the need for a more effective and humane response to this global issue.

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