Working in Kawempe Community to Prevent Domestic Violence Christine Musuya Center for Domestic Violence Prevention PO Box 6770 Kampala, Uganda Tel/Fax: /

Community Context: Kawempe Division, Uganda Low income area North of capital city, Kampala Densely populated, 350,000 people, lack of infrastructure Unsupportive law enforcement, legislative, judicial, social services environment

Holistic Prevention Program Underway since 2000 Based on Resource Guide developed by Raising Voices Supported by NGO, lead by community members Phased in approach Multiple strategies and activities

Multiple Strategies In each phase, the following strategies are used to reach out to and involve a maximum number of community members in different ways Strengthening Capacity Local Activism Media and Advocacy Communication Materials

Strengthening Capacity Building conceptual and practical Skills to prevent domestic violence Police (Family Protection Units) Health Care Providers Staff

Local Activism Creating supportive environment that rejects DV 73 Community volunteers and counselors spearhead efforts. Variety of activities: booklet clubs, impromptu discussions, dialogues, door-to-doors, drama, referrals, etc.

Mens Program Engaging male activists prevent DV 20 trained male activists Peer to peer discussions Couples seminars Drinking joints, garages & carpentry outreach Sporting events

Media and Advocacy National Media Radio programs Newspaper columns TV programs 16 Days of Activism Advocacy Local Council Members Religious Leaders Journalists

Communication Materials Booklets Posters Murals Info Sheets Stickers T-shirts

What difference does it make? Impact assessment in FGD, 200 questionnaires, 40 in-depth interviews Change of attitudes Violence public issue Women less blamed for violence Decreased public acceptance of violence

Making a difference (cont.) Community members taking action to support neighbors Acceptance by local leaders and institutions that DV is important issue

Challenges Need to do quantitative assessment Cultural and religious teachings and practices perpetuating stereotypes Turn-over in the police / health institutions Greater investment is needed for primary prevention approaches Behavior change is a longer-term process