Alcohol abuse and Domestic violence - Making the link to HIV and AIDS Workshop on the Ecumenical Pre-Conference, Mexico August 1, 2008

Presenting team: Trine Hveem, Advisor Development Aid, Gender and HIV and AIDS Renata Marie Ellingsen, Program Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia Marit Lindheim, Advisor HIV and AIDS General introduction

Purpose of the workshop Participants have acquired a broader perspective of and have been challenged for active involvement in how women may defend their rights and how both women and men may take responsibilities in promoting actions in relation to Gender based violence and its impact on HIV and AIDS.

Assumptions Every person is created by God, in his image. Every person has the right to protection from violence. Forced sex is a violation of a person’s integrity.

Methodology We will start with a short introduction to the Gender concept, with a focus on Masculinity, and have some time for reflection on this issue. We will continue to define the concept of Gender based violence before we move on to a short presentation of the two main issues: Domestic Violence Alcohol abuse

Methodology cont. These presentations will be followed by group discussions, where you choose one of the two issues. We will not have a full report from the groups in plenary, but you will prepare a flip chart with a few key notes. At the end, we will give you examples from projects related to the two issues we have been discussing.

Gender, with a focus on Masculinity Gender is increasingly being used as a framework for analysis and program development related to HIV and AIDS, however the gender perspective has too often ignored the gender of men/boys. The perception of masculinity and femininity, or gender roles, are socially and culturally constructed, fluid over time and in different settings and numerous. Both men and women are Right-holders as well as Duty- bearers

How do you perceive masculinity?

Masculinity, may be related to: Working/having a job Be able to feed a family Being dominant (related to women) Controlling Be physically strong Have strong sexual needs Fertile Active Healthy (”Real men do not get sick!”) Risk taking Drinking alcohol

For reflection: Has your perception of masculinity changed during the last 10 years? How? Do men and women have the same perception of masculinity? Do people of different age have the same perception of masculinity?

Gender-based violence Gender-based violence is defined by WHO as: “Gender-based violence is physical, physically and sexual violence against girls and women due to their gender. One out of three women experience violence during their lifetime, ” Violence is hidden and occurs both in public and private 1 out of 4 women is exposed to violence domestically or from close intimate partner

Gender-based violence Violence is the main reason for injury and death among women in the world and constitute one of their most serious health problems Sexual violence, rape and exploitation of girls and women increases globally, especially in conflict areas Violence is used as a weapon in war

Defining Domestic Violence Domestic violence (also known as domestic abuse, intimate partner violence or spousal abuse) occurs when a family member, partner or ex-partner attempts to physically or psychologically dominate another. Domestic violence occurs in all cultures; people of all races, ethnicities, religions, sexes and classes can be perpetrators of domestic violence. Domestic violence is perpetrated by both men and women.

Defining Domestic Violence (cont.) There are many forms of domestic violence (physical, social, psychological, economical). One in four women globally experience domestic violence during their lifetimes.

What triggers domestic violence? Position of women in the society and marriage –Lack of bodily autonomy –Sex as marital obligation –Understanding of masculinity –Traditions and norms- polygamy, bride price, widow inheritance –Economical dependency, lack of property rights –Lack of rights above children Social and economic situation, alcohol and drug use

Why is domestic violence a hidden phenomenon? Women do not tell, because they think that violence is normal or not serious enough. Women do not tell, because of fear from consequences. Women do not tell, because of fear that they would not be believed and helped.

Why is domestic violence a hidden phenomenon? (cont.) Abused women are less likely to seek for health services. Domestic violence is often considered to be a family matter. Needs of family well-being are often prioritized before women’s health. People often condone man’s violence.

Domestic violence and HIV and AIDS Domestic violence HIV  Transmission of HIV during forced sex Biological factors Condom use Sex as marital obligation  Transactional sex

HIV domestic violence  Access to HIV-testing  Disclosure of HIV status  Access to health care Domestic violence has both direct and indirect impact on woman’s sexual and reproductive health. Domestic violence and HIV and AIDS (cont.)

What can faith communities do? It is important to focus on both victim and abuser! Promote change of attitude to position of women in the society, to men and masculinity. Create environment of trust and support. Promote empowerment of women, gender equality and women’s own rights.

What can faith communities do? (cont.) Speak out against domestic violence and violence against women in general. Let men who are not violent to speak out against violence on women. Provide alternative role models masculine behavior.

What can faith communities do? (cont.) Promote behavior change and right understanding of domestic violence. Prevent misconceptions.  Domestic violence is not a fact of life.  Woman is not husband’s/partner’s property.  Forced sex is violation of person’s dignity.  Violence is not sign of love! Response to domestic violence and violence on women in general should be a part of HIV and AIDS programming.

Alcohol abuse and HIV and AIDS Alcohol abuse is mainly, but not only, a male problem. Alcohol consumption contribute to the spread of HIV and AIDS through irresponsible behaviour Consumption of alcohol is a means to attract sexual partners

Alcohol abuse and HIV and AIDS cont. Consumption of alcohol dramatically increases the risk of domestic violence Some people use alcohol as an excuse to perform actions that are normally not tolerated Alcohol consumption reduces the fear of risky behaviour

Alcohol abuse and HIV and AIDS cont. A heavy and sustained alcohol use depresses the human immune system, and may increase the vulnerability to HIV infection. There is a co-variation in some population groups between high alcohol consumption or hazardous drinking pattern and the prevalence of HIV and AIDS Alcohol consumption may reduce the effect of medical treatment like ARV.

Group work Divide in 2 groups. Each group will focus on one of the two topics Every group will make a poster with key notes to be put on the wall No comprehensive report back in plenary, only short reports on question no. 5

Key questions Is this issue (domestic violence /alcohol abuse) discussed in your Church/FBO If not – why is it not discussed What is the main responsibility of the Churches/FBOs What are the main challenges? How will you address this issue (domestic violence/alcohol abuse)? Which methods could be used?

Optional questions Has your perception of masculinity changed during the last 10 years? How? Do men and women have the same perception of masculinity? Do people of different age have the same perception of masculinity?

Resources: WHO Stop Violence Against Women Just Die Quietly: Domestic Violence and Women’s Vulnerability to HIV in Uganda (Human Rights Watch) Counseling Guidelines on Domestic Violence ing%20E/Domestic%20Violence.pdf

Resources, continue: On alcohol and HIV/AIDS: ention_Bangladesh On masculinity: b.pdf On Project in Malawi: Report: Substance Use and Gender Based Violence in a Malawian Context- Pilot Project 2 (