25 November is Orange Day – the UN’s international day for raising awareness of and eliminating violence against women. Across Gothenburg, Sweden and the world, buildings are illuminated in orange to take a stand against violence – and Chalmers is joining in.
Throughout the day on 25 November, several locations on campus Johanneberg are illuminated in orange, including window sections facing Chalmersplatsen, the facades along Aschebergsgatan and buildings in the Vasa area.
“Violence is something that can never be accepted, neither in society as a whole nor in our working and study environment,” says Maria Elmquist, Deputy President for leadership and equality. “That is why we at Chalmers are lighting up buildings in orange today – to highlight this important issue and encourage reflection. Promoting a healthy work environment means that all of us – today and every other day – share a responsibility to pay attention to how our colleagues and fellow students are doing.”
How does intimate partner violence affect the workplace and study environment?
Violence in close relationships primarily affects the individual subjected to it, but it can also have consequences for colleagues and co-workers. It may lead to mental health challenges and increased sick leave, especially for the individual, but also contribute to a work or study environment where worry and stress take hold. A vulnerable life situation can impact concentration, availability and sense of safety – all of which are crucial for the wellbeing of both individuals and groups.
The workplace is not always a place of safety. Violence can follow the victim into the work or study environment, for example through mobile phones, when the perpetrator monitors the victim’s whereabouts and contacts.
To raise awareness of intimate partner violence as a workplace issue, Chalmers managers have been invited to a digital lunchtime lecture on 25 November on this theme.
What should I do in situations involving threats or violence at Chalmers – as an employee, manager or student?
For managers and employees:
How to act in situations of threat or violence (Chalmers Intranet)
For students:
Safe at Chalmers
What do research and statistics show about exposure to violence?
- 13.6 per cent of the population (aged 16–84) report having been subjected to some form of intimate partner violence during 2022. A higher proportion of women than men report having been subjected to violence (15.2 and 11.7 per cent respectively).
- Just over half of those who have experienced violence state that their ability to work has been negatively affected.
- Women are more frequently subjected to sexual violence and severe violence in close relationships, while men are more often exposed to violence in public spaces by individuals with whom they do not have a close relationship.
More information:
UN – Orange Day
Photographer: Per Svanström