The most comprehensive compilation of information on the status of
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Latest items for DV-PRACTICE-2

Oct. 10, 2024, 1:33 p.m.
Countries: D R Congo
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2, DV-PRACTICE-2

Dr. Gisele Ndaya Luseba, former Minister of Gender, Family, and Children, established a center for women who have experienced domestic and sexual violence where they can receive help. There are four steps to helping these women: psychological help, judicial help (they go after their aggressors), medical help, and reintegration back into society. The first step is psychological help. Because the women who have been raped or experienced sexual violence are very traumatized, they don’t respond when they see a man. They scream and run and try to hide. Thus, in Kinshasa and in the provinces, the center has a psychologist there to help them. The next step is judicial help....more
Oct. 9, 2024, 7:59 p.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"Between 2010–2012, a project entitled 'Increasing Access to Justice, Psycho-social and Rehabilitative Services for Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Domestic Abuse' was implemented. It was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Human Development, the Women’s Department, Youth Enhancement Services (YES), Haven House and WIN-Belize with funding from the U.S. Embassy. It focused on interagency collaboration and support for victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. A total of 68 victims and family members received psycho-social care and legal support" (27). "In 2021, with support from UNICEF, the Gender Advocates Program was launched by the National Women’s Commission and the Women & Family Support Department. Considering low reporting...more
Oct. 4, 2024, 11:21 a.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"Annually, the Women’s Department conducts sensitization sessions in schools. Between 2012-2021, over 7,278 young people participated (an annual average of over 500). A total of 2559 young people participated in a Gender Awareness Safe School Program in 22 primary and secondary schools. The Love Shouldn’t Hurt Campaign reached 1,745 students in seven secondary schools countrywide. During the reporting period, 7,578 people attended various awareness and training sessions on different types of violence, conflict resolution, sexual and reproductive health, and women’s rights" (26). "In 2010, the Police Department updated its Domestic Violence Protocol and Sexual Violence Protocol to align with the DVA. Since 2010, the Women’s Department has been conducting annual...more
Oct. 4, 2024, 11:20 a.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"Belize continuously conducts public awareness campaigns to send the message that violence against women is unacceptable. Various action plans and national projects outlines awareness-raising efforts. The 2017–2020 National Gender-based Violence Action Plan aims at raising awareness through intense advocacy and communication strategies at the national level. The past two NGBVAP emphasized male allyship and men as targets of prevention campaigns. The Women’s Department reports increases in community awareness of the Domestic Violence Act and available services. However, they noted more awareness in rural communities was need. Thus, the Spotlight Initiative looks at rural and multi-lingual groups" (25-26). "[I]n June of 2021, MHDFIPA Belize commemorated for the first time, World Elder...more
Oct. 4, 2024, 11:20 a.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"Cognizant that a comprehensive approach is needed and that interventions should include the abuser, the Women’s Department established a Batterers Intervention Program. With support from UN Women through their Partners for Peace Programme, a sixteen-week violence prevention, psycho-educational programme was piloted in 2010. It continued to operate until 2012. Participation was mandated by the court as part of the judgment. Cycle 1 began in 2010 with eight persons, only seven completed the program. In 2011, the second cycle saw the participation of seven persons. In 2020, UN Women Caribbean assessed the program and currently planning to revitalize it in various jurisdictions including Belize. One step taken towards a comprehensive approach...more
Oct. 4, 2024, 11:19 a.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"The Women’s Department and the National Women’s Commission implemented a victims and family support project. Funding was provided by the ENGENDER Rapid Response Facility Resources for the COVID-19 Crisis and the Spotlight Initiative. Six alternative safe spaces were identified and equipped, and three existing safe houses received support either with salaries, supplies, operations, and/or protective equipment. Dignity kits and hygiene packages were distributed to 394 women, girls, older persons, and children. 180 food packages were disbursed to survivors and 90 students received educational assistance and supplies. 160 psychosocial sessions were conducted. Case management support was provided" (20). "Women Development Officers are trained to register complaints, inform clients about their rights,...more
Oct. 4, 2024, 11:19 a.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"The Belize Police Department continues to operate Domestic Violence Units in major municipalities. So far, only the Belize City Family Violence Unit works on a 24-hour shift and has an in-house Counsellor. Since 2020, the DMU operates two hotlines in Belize City with a referral system to local police stations. In the other municipalities, specialized Domestic Violence Officers work from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Thus, on weekdays and after hours, the response rest on regular police officers. Therefore, the Women’s Department consistently train the Police Department on gender-based violence protocols and procedures, the referral system, case management and handling of evidence so they can improve the quality of their response" (13)....more
Oct. 4, 2024, 11:18 a.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"Sexual and domestic violence incidences are recorded at each police station. This data is forwarded to their Joint Intelligence Unit (JICC) through the Crime Information Management System (CIMS) and the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Unit through the BHIS" (6). "The 2019–2020 Police Crime Fighting Strategy includes issues such as school truancy, homicide reduction and domestic violence" (10). "Various governmental agencies such as the National Women’s Commission, the Women’s Department, Mental Health Unit, international agencies such as UNICEF, and non-governmental agencies such as Child Development Foundation launched multi-lingual campaigns to raise awareness about gender-based violence and child abuse during the pandemic. Information such as where to get help, mental health, hotlines,...more
Sept. 5, 2024, 1 p.m.
Countries: Australia
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

“[S]tatistics from victim-survivors via the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show 75 per cent of respondents reported their perpetrator as male, while 25 per cent reported them to be female. But the rate for male perpetration is actually much higher, explains Dr Brown, for a number of reasons…And as most victim-survivors don't report to authorities – or anyone at all – police and legal data are limited sources of information on perpetration, Dr Brown says” (12-13, 16).
July 18, 2024, 6:38 p.m.
Countries: Guatemala
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"With regard to assisting women victims of violence, pursuant to article 104 of Decree No. 25-2018 (General Budget of State Revenues and Expenditures Act), the Ministry of the Interior makes budgetary allocations to the Guatemalan Women’s Group in order to support the provision of comprehensive care for women survivors of violence through the comprehensive support centres for women survivors of violence, which are operated by the Group" (9-10). " "With regard to protecting children and adolescents in order to ensure their physical and psychological well-being, the Public Prosecution Service established four internal tracks for providing comprehensive care to pregnant women and girls under 14 years of age. It set up...more
July 17, 2024, 3:10 p.m.
Countries: Guatemala
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the System for the Provision of Comprehensive Care to Victims has followed up by conducting single-party virtual hearings for the purpose of granting, extending or expanding protective measures in cases of violence against women, in order to protect the victim and provide information and guidance" (3). "The 2020–2029 National Plan for the Prevention of and Eradication of Violence against Women was updated by the National Coordination Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Violence against Women with the technical support of the Presidential Secretariat for Women. A nationwide consultation was carried out in which 715 people participated, representing the public sector, civil society,...more
April 19, 2024, 3:06 p.m.
Countries: Serbia
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"[T]he right to free legal aid is enshrined in the Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence… [V]ictims of various forms of gender-based violence other than domestic violence [are recognized] as beneficiaries of free legal aid under the Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence, but not under the Law on Free Legal Aid, [which] may lead to a denial of access to free legal aid" (4). These victims are usually female (MV-coder comment). "[There is an] Inadequate risk assessment to prevent gender-based violence against women and girls, including femicide, and the lack of the timely issuance and effective implementation of emergency protection orders" (7).
April 19, 2024, 2:19 p.m.
Countries: Serbia
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"[There is a] shortage of shelters for victims of gender-based violence" (8). "[T]he national strategy for the prevention and elimination of domestic and intimate violence for the period 2017–2020 [is not adopted]" (8). "[C]ases involving all forms of violence against women, including rape, are [not] properly investigated… [V]ictims are [not] protected against revictimization [or] have access to effective reparations, including compensation" (8). "[There is not] an anonymous emergency helpline to be operated by personnel experienced in working with victims of violence" (8).
April 12, 2024, 5:14 p.m.
Countries: Australia
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"While technology-facilitated abuse in a family and domestic violence context is often low-tech, it has also become so sophisticated and difficult to detect that many victims are unaware they have ever been targetted" (para 10). "If, for instance, she is trying to contact a women's refuge, [her abuser] will know about it" (para 14). "[I]ndividual banks offer support for victims, ranging from enabling them to open new accounts without the traditional documentation and often providing a starting deposit of as much as $5000 to get them on their feet" (para 36). "Back in March 1974, when we opened Elsie, the first modern women's refuge in Australia, we were aware of...more
April 12, 2024, 2:36 p.m.
Countries: Australia
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"There is also the need for the tech industry to adopt preventative measures, but there is not much evidence the makers are serious about stopping TFA" (para 52). "We urgently need a federal longitudinal study of domestic violence" (para 65).
April 9, 2024, 9:31 p.m.
Countries: Cuba
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"January has once again raised the dust and sadness of the pending debts on gender-based violence in Cuba. The discussion, at least on social networks, has brought back the issue of a comprehensive law against gender-based violence, shelters, the level of severity in sentences, impunity, the invisibility of disappeared women, the lack of accompaniment of the institutions involved and the scant coverage in the press" (para 1). "Re-victimization and lack of gender sensitivity on the part of legal operators, investigators and medical and medical-legal personnel are considered among the main obstacles for victims to come to denounce in the first place and, second, when they do, the complaints prosper or...more
March 30, 2024, 2:46 p.m.
Countries: Lithuania
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"[T]emporary protection orders [are provided] in cases of domestic violence, including obligating the perpetrator to reside separately from, and not to approach, the victim" (2). "[There is an] absence of a stand-alone civil protection order procedure for victims of domestic violence" (7). "[T]he special assistance centres for women who are victims of violence [are unable] to function effectively" (8).
March 26, 2024, 2:51 p.m.
Countries: Lithuania
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

“[C]ases of gender-based violence against women, in particular sexual and domestic violence, [are inadequately handled] by the investigating authorities, such as failure to complete the investigation or to move to criminal prosecution[. R]estrictive or protection measures for victims of domestic violence can only be requested by a police officer once the pretrial investigation has been initiated. [There is a] lack of enforcement or monitoring of compliance with protection orders, which leaves women who are victims of such violence at risk of further violence" (7).
Feb. 20, 2024, 6:27 p.m.
Countries: D R Congo
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"[V]ictims [of sexual and gender-based violence] and their family members [do not] have effective access to justice and remedies and receive adequate reparations" (4). "[T]here is no specific law to protect victims and witnesses" (5). "[There is a] lack of cases of domestic violence, including marital rape, brought before courts owing to victims’ fear of stigmatization and the limited number of perpetrators who are punished" (8). "[There is] the lack of shelters, counselling and rehabilitation services for [victims of gender-based violence, including domestic and sexual violence]" (8).
Feb. 16, 2024, 4:44 p.m.
Countries: Honduras
Variables: LRW-LAW-2, DV-PRACTICE-2

"One, designed to increase the government’s capacity to prevent violence against women and improve the attention given to survivors by the justice system, was expected to meet resistance in a legislative body dominated by men and social conservatives. Another, more limited, bill that would fulfil a campaign promise to create more shelters for survivors of violence languishes as well" (para 12).
Feb. 4, 2024, 5:28 p.m.
Countries: Spain
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"Last month, the government called on courts and prosecutors to step up the use of electronic bracelets to help protect women whose former partners were subject to restraining orders. 'We think it’s important to promote the use of electronic devices, such as bracelets that alert women to the presence of aggressors,' the justice minister, Pilar Llop, said at the end of December. 'Since 2009, when these bracelets were brought in, no woman wearing one has been murdered.' Llop said it was also important to tackle those who denied the 'scourge' of gender-based violence" ( para 9-10).
Jan. 29, 2024, 5:50 p.m.
Countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"[There has been an u]nderreporting of cases of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, by women and girls owing to social stigma and their lack of trust in the law enforcement authorities" (7). [C]civil society organizations operate hotlines for victims and survivors of domestic violence" (8). These hotlines are not adequately funded and are not always operational (MV-coder comment).
Jan. 22, 2024, 6:37 p.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-1, DV-PRACTICE-2

"The film crew found some women had committed suicide by setting themselves on fire or drinking bleach to escape domestic violence after the Taliban, which swept back into power in September last year" (para 30). "This quote suggests that suggests there is a lack of laws/enforcement of them and reluctance to report" (EV-Coder Comment).
Jan. 19, 2024, 12:06 p.m.
Countries: Central African Rep
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"Decree No. 15.007 of 8 January 2015 established the joint rapid response unit to combat sexual violence against women and girls, whose mandate is to prevent and punish all forms of sexual violence committed against women and children" (17). "The 4040 free hotline operated by the Danish Refugee Council, has enabled the referral of many survivors for care" (26). "[T]he communication of the free hotline number (4040) to all mobile phone users, with a call for all those with knowledge of any situation of violence against a woman to report, as soon as possible, to the medical and judicial services and human rights non-governmental organizations cases of assault or rape...more
Jan. 18, 2024, 10:46 a.m.
Countries: Central African Rep
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"The joint rapid response unit to prevent sexual violence against women and girls is responsible for suppressing any act of violence against women. This service receives complaints from the victims themselves or third parties and reports of incidents of violence against women. Investigations are immediately initiated, with the possibility of opening a judicial inquiry. The alleged culprits are referred to the competent courts. Sentences are duly imposed on these culprits" (25).
Jan. 16, 2024, 6:33 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"Some of the gaps identified as hindrances in the effective implementation of the Domestic Violence Act, 2008 were addressed through the development of Regulations to this Act in 2013. The Government continues to provide technical and financial support to non-governmental organizations to offer counselling services to GBV survivors and their families and shelter facilities. In 2011, there was developed Gender Based Violence Health Sector Policy Framework and Health Care Service Providers Protocols and Service Standards. The Botswana Police Service has also included gender and gender based violence in their pre-service and in service training" (6). The 2013 Baseline Study on Gender revealed that 61.6% of study respondents were aware of...more
Jan. 4, 2024, 10:41 a.m.
Countries: Singapore
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"[T]he Government intensified the 'Break the Silence' [] through free-to-air television, radio and online advertisements to raise awareness on family violence and encourage victims and witnesses to report abuse and violence" (3-4). "Social workers are sensitised to respond to victims of crimes (sexual abuse/assault/trafficking etc.) in an accepting and non-judgmental manner" (18). "The Vulnerable Adults Act (VAA) was enacted in 2018 to protect individuals who are incapable of protecting themselves from abuse, neglect or self-neglect due to a physical or mental infirmity, disability or incapacity" (34). "In partnership with the Singapore General Hospital, the Police launched The One-Stop Abuse Forensic Examination (OneSAFE) Centre in 2017 to bring emotional support, medical...more
Jan. 3, 2024, 4:06 p.m.
Countries: Singapore
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"Under the Women’s Charter, women experiencing family violence may apply for personal protection orders, which are supplemented by expedited orders and domestic exclusion orders. The Family Court can also order individuals affected by violence (victims, perpetrators and/or other family members) to undergo compulsory counselling under the Mandatory Counselling Programme" (35). "In February 2021, the Government officially launched the 24/7 National Anti-Violence Helpline (NAVH) to make it easier for victims of violence and members of the public to seek help and report abuse. The Government encourages everyone to call the NAVH at 1800-777-0000 to make a report if they experience or witness violence" (38-39).
Dec. 20, 2023, 10:43 a.m.
Countries: France
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"The survey also detected a male 'backlash' across French society to the #MeToo movement, with 'macho raids' on social media seeking 'to reduce women to silence or discredit them.' It stated that situations of 'discrimination, violence and harassment' have reached 'alarming proportions' The study of 2,500 people by the High Authority on Equality (HCE), a consultative body, found sexist behaviour increasing in 'all spheres', with many men believing violent and discriminatory behaviour to be acceptable. Older men often remained stuck in conservative attitudes towards male and female roles in society, while younger men occasionally displayed aggressive macho tendencies, it found" (para 3-4). "Those questioned also spoke of a lack of...more
Nov. 6, 2023, 11:49 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2

"[C]ourt costs for protection orders [are not exempt]" (13). Women have to pay for court orders in domestic violence cases (MV- coder comment). “In 2015, China issued the Opinions on Improving the Legal Aid System, which listed women as key targets of legal aid and included abuse, abandonment and domestic violence as additional matters for legal aid" (13). “Mechanisms for handling domestic violence calls have been improved to ensure timely police dispatch, proper investigation and evidence collection in accordance with the law, as well as the delivery of assistance to victims seeking medical care and injury assessment" (14).