Today (November 25) marks the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women as well as the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, the end of which is marked by Human Rights Day (December 10).

Globally more than one out of three (35 percent) of women experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, typically from an intimate partner. It is estimated that 137 women are killed by a family member every day, and less than 40 per cent of the women who experience violence have access help from police or other public services.

Moreover, behind the global COVID-19 headlines is what many experts are calling a “shadow pandemic” of increased violence against women and girls amid lockdowns and other measures, a problem further exacerbated by overburdened healthcare systems. While statistics are hard to come by, some countries are reporting a five-fold increase in emergency calls to women’s shelters this year.

Meanwhile, school closures and economic strain have impacted women and girls more than anybody. In much of the world the pandemic and its economic effects have left women and girls increasingly vulnerable to abuse, harassment, forced marriages, and human trafficking.

The Generation Equality campaign is amplifying its call for global action to increase funding for essential services for survivors of gender-based violence during the COVID-19 crisis. This year’s 16 Days campaign has as its theme: “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” and the UN is encouraging everyone to become an activist in their own community on this front.

For a list of practical ways you can help end violence against women—even during a pandemic—see this list. Those interested in donating to women’s shelters worldwide can do so at the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women.

Violence against women and girls was a serious problem before COVID but has been considerably worsened by the pandemic. Fortunately, the global community has recognized the problem and is taking action—and so can all of us!