World Observes International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

An estimated 1 in 3 women has experienced physical or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner. In 2012, half of the women killed worldwide were killed by their partners or members of their family.

These are just some of the statistics being shared today, November 25, on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. From now until December 10, which is Human Rights Day, the United Nations is calling for 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

The date chosen commemorates the Mirabal sisters, three Dominican women who were murdered in 1960 for opposing dictator Rafael Trujillo.

This year, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is asking activists to "Orange your Neighborhood"—part of a campaign to cover communities with orange lights, ribbons and flags to "raise awareness about violence against women and discuss solutions that could work for your community."

"Everyone has a responsibility to prevent and end violence against women and girls, starting by challenging the culture of discrimination that allows it to continue," Ki-moon said at the start of the campaign.

On social media, people around the world are sharing images of their participation: