Saying “No” to domestic violence in Uganda
25 June 2007
Image courtesy of CEDOVIP/Christine Musuya
There is a saying in Uganda that “bedroom matters are better left in the
home”. But for many Ugandan women, one “bedroom matter” that has stayed too long
behind closed doors is domestic violence. In some parts of the country, it is
not uncommon for women to suffer terrible beatings at the hands of their
husbands, but for these crimes to go unreported or unprosecuted.
The traditional belief that men are supreme in the household, and are entitled
to use force to bring their wives into line, means that men, women and the
authorities often fail to recognise how unacceptable domestic violence is.
Clearly, it is time for attitudes to change - which is why DFID is supporting
the
Centre
for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) in its work to turn a silent
human rights issue into a very loud and clear one.
Involving the police
Image courtesy of CEDOVIP/Christine Musuya
At
Kawempe Police Station in the north of Uganda's capital, Kampala, training sessions provided by CEDOVIP are changing the way that domestic violence cases are handled. In the
past, police would leave these matters to be solved by relatives or the husband.
Now they know that domestic abuse is a violation of human rights and
therefore demands police intervention.
Abbey Ngako, a Community Liaison Officer at the station, admits that, prior to
the training, the police did not have the understanding or the skills to deal
with abuse between husbands and wives. However, CEDOVIP has made them aware that
the issue is a serious one – with links to abortion, prostitution and murder –
and one that requires a dedicated response. Across Kampala, CEDOVIP's campaign
is waking people up to this fact. As Abbey says: “For women and men, the concept
of 'domestic violence', which used to be unheard of, is now getting a voice and
is being acknowledged as possible and an issue to be addressed.”
With the Uganda Police Force, CEDOVIP has developed a Police Domestic
Violence Handbook for officers. This contains essential information on
interviewing children, victims and suspects, assessing the risk of violence
within a particular household, mediating between spouses, and
helping victims towards safety. The Handbook, which will be used by police
throughout the country, should prove an invaluable practical tool.
Reaching the widest audience
Image courtesy of CEDOVIP/Christine Musuya
A crucial part of CEDOVIP's campaign has been to make use of the media and
public events to spread its message to the largest possible audience. Already,
CEDOVIP has broadcast shows on national television in which viewers are invited to phone
in with their comments and questions about domestic violence. Shows so far have included: "What do men say about domestic violence?", "Promoting women's empowerment", "Men should be responsible in their intimate
relationships", and "The role of the police in addressing domestic violence".
CEDOVIP has also used print media to raise awareness of the cause. Articles have appeared in Kampala's local newspapers calling for an end to domestic violence ("Domestic violence up!"), reporting on the good work being done by campaigners ("Ending violence is a priority, activists say"), and setting out how to tackle the issue ("Battling domestic violence"). In addition, CEDOVIP has organised football matches, staged plays and coordinated drives to bring the subject to people's attention.
More than a bedroom matter
The campaign's broad-ranging approach has also seen it target religious and local leaders, policy makers and charities. On the local level, vital work is also being carried out by community "champions" on domestic abuse, who step in to find a peaceful resolution to hostile situations. On a national level, a new Domestic Violence Bill - which incorporates CEDOVIP recommendations - will shortly become law.
As a result of CEDOVIP's efforts, there is greater recognition, among ordinary people and within institutions, that domestic violence is more than just a "bedroom matter", and that defeating it means getting it out in the open.
Key facts
- Statistics of domestic violence are hard to come by in Uganda because the majority of the cases are not reported.
- DFID is supporting CEDOVIP's campaign with £119,000 of funding, which began in March 2006 and will last until February 2009.
- CEDOVIP’s work began as a partnership between three other local NGOs:
- Ugandan law recognises women’s human rights in its constitution and is party to the
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