On November 25, 1960, three sisters were pulled over by authorities in the Dominican Republic on their way home. The women were strangled mercilessly and clubbed to death–all for nothing but opposing a corrupt regime. Despite attempts to hide the murders, word quickly spread throughout the nation, and the sisters became a focal point of the political resistance.

After that regime fell, the women were mourned and eventually honored as national martyrs whose deaths emboldened freedom fighters to bring down a dictator. In 2000, the United Nations (UN) designated the anniversary of their deaths as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Violence against women and girls is still a pervasive problem today, and it’s gotten worse in the last few years. Four out of every five trafficked women and girls are sexually exploited, so the recent uptick in worldwide human trafficking has been a driving factor in heightening the issue.

Preventing brutal gender-based violence

The sex industry degrades women and girls to such a degree that they’re often seen as products for sale, stripped of their humanity. This mindset among traffickers and their clients makes them capable of shocking brutality and violence against their victims.

We’re humbled and honored to raise funds for Destiny Rescue, an organisation on the front lines of this dire fight. They wholeheartedly join with the UN in recognising this important day as a reminder that women and girls are disproportionately affected by human trafficking and sexual exploitation. With over 10,000 rescues and counting completed, Destiny Rescue is working tirelessly to end the horrors of sexual exploitation.

The UN continues to raise awareness of the problem by promoting “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.” The campaign starts November 25 and “aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world, calling for global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy and create opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions.” The campaign will culminate on International Human Rights Day (December 10).

Join the fight: advocate for girls’ and womens’ basic human rights

There are countless ways you can join the fight to end violence against women and girls–and the first is by spreading the word. By starting conversations and sharing stories, you can help illuminate the issue and develop a culture that condemns all forms of abuse.

Destiny Rescue takes a boots-on-the-ground approach to freeing women and children from the darkness of sexual exploitation and fighting for the equality of all. From border agents backed by local governments to undercover operatives working alongside police forces to social workers canvassing at-risk communities, their incredible and diverse teams are united in one mission: to rescue children and help them stay free.

To stand against the violence of sexual exploitation, join Child Rescue in the fight for freedom by donating or getting involved today!