Definition of Abuse & Violence against Women & Children

Presentation by Yugesh D. PANDAY Programme Coordinator 26 August 2009

Definition of violence
all forms of physical or mental violence, injury and abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse Article 19 CRC
The intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against a child, by an individual or group, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in actial or potential harm to the childs health, survival, development or dignity World report on Violence and Health,

Violence
No country or community is untouched by violence (It is in our homes, streets, schools, workplaces and institutions) Violence is an extremely sensitive issue. It raises uncomfortable questions (about ideology, morality and culture) We need to challenge secrecy, taboos and feelings of inevitability surrounding the issue of violence) Encourage debate that will increase our understanding about this complex phenomena: violence

Typology of violence
violence
Self directed Interpersonal Collective

Suicidal

Self abuse

Family/partner

Community

Social

Political

Economic

Child

Partner

Elder

Acquintance

Stranger

NATURE OF VIOLENCE: 1. Physical 2. Sexual 3. Psychological 4. Neglect

The forms and context of violence

Self directed violence Suicide (stressful events that leads to suicide: poverty, unemployment, loss of loved ones, arguments with family and friends, breakdown inrelationship, legal and work related problems Risk factors (alcohol and drug abuse, a history of physical and sexual abuse in childhood, social isolation, psychiatric problems, painful and disabling ailments, easy access to life threatening tools, substances

The forms and context of violence

Interpersonal violence
Young people and violence Violence against intimate partners Child abuse and neglect by parents and care giver Abuse of elderly Sexual violence Risk factors :, Psychological and behavioural characteristics (low self esteem, poor behaviour control, personality and conduct behaviour) Experience based (lack of emotional bonding, exposure to violent behaviour), Substance abuse, Socio economic causes (poverty and income disparity, gender inequality )

The forms and context of violence

Collective violence Violent conflict between groups, communities Causes: Social inequality marked by grossly unequal distribution of and access to resources. \ Control by a single group of valuable resources Rapid demographic change that outstripd the capacity of the state to provide essential services and job opportunities

The cost of violence

The provision of shelter or other places of safety and long term care Lost of productivity as a result of premature death, injury, absenteeism, long term disability and lost potential Diminished quality of life and decreased ability to care for oneself or others Damage to public property and infrastructure leading to disruption of services such as health, care, transport and food distribution Disruption of daily life as a result of fears for personal safety Disincentives to investment and tourism that hamper economic development

The cost of violence

The provision of shelter or other places of safety and long term care Lost of productivity as a result of premature death, injury, absenteeism, long term disability and lost potential Diminished quality of life and decreased ability to care for oneself or others Damage to public property and infrastructure leading to disruption of services such as health, care, transport and food distribution Disruption of daily life as a result of fears for personal safety Disincentives to investment and tourism that hamper economic development

Violence against Women

Reference is made to the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of all Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) The term "discrimination against women" shall mean any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field. Bearing in mind the great contribution of women to the welfare of the family and to the development of society, so far not fully recognized, the social significance of maternity and the role of both parents in the family and in the upbringing of children, and aware that the role of women in procreation should not be a basis for discrimination but that the upbringing of children requires a sharing of responsibility between men and women and society as a whole

Violence against Children

No violence against children is justifiable; all violence against children is preventable UN Secretary Report on the study on violence
against children. More often, violence against children has been accepted as a form of tradition under the label of discipline. Childrens uniqueness their potential and vulnerability, their dependence on adults makes it imperative that they have more, not less, protection from violence. The solution to stop violence against children is not merely in the application of sanction to perpetrators but a change in mindset. Violence against children is multidimensional and calls for a multifaceted response. Factors that are likely to be protective in the home as well as other settings include good parenting, the development of a strong attachment bonds between parents and children and positive non-violent discipline. Settings in which violence against children occur are: Home and Family, Violence in schools and educational settings, Violence in care and justice systems, Violence in work settings, violence in the community.

What can be done to prevent violence?

Individuals programmes (Educational, Social development, Therapeutic, treatment)
Relationship approaches (training in parenting, mentoring programmes, Family therapy programmes, Home visit programmes) Community based efforts (public education based campaigns, modification of physical environment, extracurricular activities, community policing to create partnerships between police and a variety of groups at community level) Programme for specific settings (schools, workplaces, care institutions) Societal approaches (efforts to change social and cultural norm, Policy changes, legislative and judicial remedies )

Violence at School
PROBLEMS Corporal punishment still practised in schools Indiscipline in the classroom Pupil teacher violence is increasing Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes are more and more present in schools Gang violence is growing Pupil pupil violence is now more violent and harmful Teachers feel helpless and unequipped to deal with cases of violence Circulation of pornographic material Labelling of pupils by school personnel OBSTACLES Teachers have not been trained to deal with such cases. Non child friendly school Overcrowded classrooms Inappropriate pedagogy Overloaded curriculum Some pupils feel rejected by the system Negative attitude of the parents Children are exposed to violence outside school and practice same at school No play, music, drama and other creative activity at school Lack of professional support to pupils and teachers at school level

Conclusion
Violence is often predictable and preventable Identifying and measuring these factors can provide timely warning to decision makers. Upstreams investment brings downstream results Understand the context of violence Resources should be focused on the most vulnerable groups Complacency is a barrier to tackling violence

THANK YOU