1 Fighting Domestic Violence: Changing Men and Women Presentation by: Ms Phally Hor Executive Director of the Project Against Domestic Violence (PADV)
2 Background Before not even a name or a definition to describe domestic violence.Before not even a name or a definition to describe domestic violence “Plates in the Basket will Rattle” study: 16% suffer from domestic violence in Cambodia.1994 “Plates in the Basket will Rattle” study: 16% suffer from domestic violence in Cambodia. Domestic violence seen as a private matter.Domestic violence seen as a private matter. Effects of domestic violence significant:Effects of domestic violence significant: –Women and children; –Local authority; –Development.
3 Actions taken (1) : Education/Training: Local authorities (police).Local authorities (police). Grass-root level.Grass-root level. Awareness Raising: IEC materials: TV- and radio spots, T-shirts, posters, calendars, storybook for children.IEC materials: TV- and radio spots, T-shirts, posters, calendars, storybook for children. Role play.Role play. Lobbying politicians/government.Lobbying politicians/government.
4 Actions taken (2): Support groups Pilot programme, “Men Stop Violence” 2002.Pilot programme, “Men Stop Violence” Three level approach: 1) Peer (friends etc.)Three level approach: 1) Peer (friends etc.) 2) Group Discussion (men & women) 2) Group Discussion (men & women) 3) Stakeholders (local authority) 3) Stakeholders (local authority) Topics: definition & impact of domestic violence, responsibility of the man in the family, anger management.Topics: definition & impact of domestic violence, responsibility of the man in the family, anger management. Commune level closed group discussions with abuser men and youth (age 15-25).Commune level closed group discussions with abuser men and youth (age 15-25). Open discussions groups for women: advice to support change of abuser, or offer support to get out of abusive relationships.Open discussions groups for women: advice to support change of abuser, or offer support to get out of abusive relationships.
5 Results regarding behavioural change (1): Evaluation on Man Stop Violence-project shows less violence (see handout)Evaluation on Man Stop Violence-project shows less violence (see handout) Men changed from physical to emotional violence.Men changed from physical to emotional violence. Reduction in violence among youth gangs. Reduction in violence among youth gangs.
6 Results regarding behavioural change (2) People increasingly see DV as a public, not a private, matter.People increasingly see DV as a public, not a private, matter. Women victims seek, and find help, from NGO:s and government, MoWVA.Women victims seek, and find help, from NGO:s and government, MoWVA. Women speak out (Demographic & Health survey in 2000: 25% suffer from domestic violence).Women speak out (Demographic & Health survey in 2000: 25% suffer from domestic violence). Local authorities and police bring victims to PADV office and NGO-shelters.Local authorities and police bring victims to PADV office and NGO-shelters. Recognition from politicians that DV is a violation of women’s rights, and that it hurts development.Recognition from politicians that DV is a violation of women’s rights, and that it hurts development.
7 Motivators for behavioural change 1. Peer pressure1. Peer pressure - Conflict: big brother/friends vs. teachers/wife or parents. - Conflict: big brother/friends vs. teachers/wife or parents. 2. Judgement/expectations of community members 2. Judgement/expectations of community members - The rights of women or the impact of violence on women does not influence the behaviour of men. - The rights of women or the impact of violence on women does not influence the behaviour of men. 3. Religious and cultural expectations 3. Religious and cultural expectations - Cultural “code of conduct” for men and women. - Cultural “code of conduct” for men and women.
8 Lessons learnt Peer support important to sustain changed behaviour.Peer support important to sustain changed behaviour. Making DV a public issue leads to change, political pressure: importance of awareness campaigns, lobbying, research.Making DV a public issue leads to change, political pressure: importance of awareness campaigns, lobbying, research.