Every week, we see the headlines: “Woman killed in family tragedy” or “Fatal dispute in the domestic sphere.” But words matter. When we fail to call it what it is, we obscure the true nature of the problem. At Girl Power International, we believe change starts with awareness. That is why we must talk about femicide.
It is a term you are hearing more and more, and unfortunately, for good reason. Femicide is the most extreme form of gender-based violence. Simply put: it is the murder of a woman because she is a woman.
More Than Just Murder
Femicide distinguishes itself from other forms of homicide through its motives and context. In the vast majority of cases, femicide is committed by an (ex-)partner or a family member. It is rarely an incident that happens “out of the blue”; it is often the fatal conclusion of a long period of violence, control, stalking, and intimidation.
It is not a ‘crime passionnel’ (a crime of passion). It is a crime of power and control. It stems from the deep-rooted, often unconscious idea that women are the property of men, and that men have the right to dictate a woman’s life and body.
The Red Flags: The Pattern of Coercive Control
To stop femicide, we must learn to recognize the signs. Before the fatal violence occurs, there is often a case of coercive control. This is a pattern of behavior designed to make someone dependent, to isolate them, and to instill fear.
Signals that we, as a community, must be alert to:
- Isolation: The woman is slowly kept away from friends and family.
- Monitoring: Control over finances, clothing choices, or her movements.
- Stalking: Both physical and digital (constant messaging, checking location).
- Threats: Threatening suicide if she ends the relationship, or threatening to harm the children.
The most dangerous moment for a woman in an abusive relationship is often the moment she decides to leave. It is precisely then that the perpetrator feels he is losing control, which can lead to an escalation of violence.
Why This Affects Us All
At Girl Power International, we fight for a world where women are safe. Femicide is not an individual problem; it is a societal problem. As long as we dismiss violence against women as “private matters” or “relationship issues,” we maintain the system that protects perpetrators and leaves victims in the cold.
The numbers do not lie. Worldwide, the home is the most dangerous place for a woman. This is a human rights violation of enormous proportions.
What Can We Do?
The fight against femicide requires action at all levels:
- Naming it: Stop using evasive language. Do not call it a ‘family tragedy’; call it femicide.
- Listening and believing: Take women who express fear of their (ex-)partner seriously. Do not judge (“why doesn’t she just leave?”), but offer support.
- Education: We must involve boys and men in the conversation about masculinity, boundaries, and respect.
- Legislation: We advocate for better protection of victims and harsher sentences that reflect the true nature of the crime.
Join the Resistance
We no longer accept that women’s lives are taken. We demand a world where every woman can walk the streets safely, but above all, is safe in her own home.
Stand up against violence. Support organizations that fight for women’s rights. And let us build a culture together where love equals respect, and never possession.
Need help? Do you feel unsafe at home or are you worried about someone? In the Netherlands, you can contact Veilig Thuis (0800-2000) or call the emergency services at 112 in case of immediate danger.
