• END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

  • Globally, about 1 in 3 women and girls worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.

  • Of all women and girls who are the victims of homicide globally, 58 percent were killed by intimate partners or family members.

  • This equates to one woman or girl killed every 11 minutes.

What is Domestic Violence or Abuse?

Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, is a pattern of behavior within relationships aimed at gaining and maintaining power and control over a partner or family member. Perpetrators are often husbands, boyfriends, male relatives, or neighbors.

It's not an isolated incident but a pervasive issue transcending gender, culture, faith, and sexuality. Types of domestic violence include:

Physical violence: Involves physical force like hitting, choking, and restraining, potentially causing injuries.

Sexual violence: Violates bodily integrity, encompassing sexual assault, harassment, and coercion. It also includes behaviour which limits reproductive rights, eg. preventing use of contraceptive methods and forcing abortion.

Psychological abuse: Features threats, intimidation, and isolation, sometimes using spiritual beliefs to manipulate.

Emotional abuse: Undermines self-worth through constant criticism, humiliation, and demeaning treatment.

Economic abuse: Makes victims financially dependent by controlling work and access to resources.

What is the Impact of Domestic Violence on Girls’ Human Rights?

  • RIGHT TO LIFE

    Exposure to domestic violence threatens girls' lives and well-being, creating an unsafe environment and violating their right to life, liberty, and security.

  • RIGHT TO EDUCATION

    Exposure to domestic violence can disrupt girls' education due to emotional distress, absenteeism, or being forced to flee their homes. This hinders their educational progress and future opportunities.

  • RIGHT TO HEALTH

    Domestic violence can result in physical injuries, chronic health issues, and psychological trauma, affecting girls' mental and physical health.

  • RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT

    Domestic violence can impede girls' social, emotional, and cognitive development, limiting their ability to reach their full potential.

  • RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM TORTURE, CRUEL, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT

    Domestic violence subjects girls to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, violating their right to be free from such treatment.

  • RIGHT TO EQUALITY & NON-DISCRIMINATION

    Domestic violence often stems from and perpetuates gender inequality, reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes and power imbalances.

  • RIGHT TO PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC LIFE

    Experiencing domestic violence can undermine girls' self-esteem and confidence, discouraging them from actively participating in social, cultural, and political life.

  • RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM SLAVERY, SERVITUDE OR FORCED LABOUR

    Economic abuse and control can amount to forms of modern slavery.

The International Legal Framework

  • Human rights instruments

    Although not explicitly mentioning domestic violence, several human rights instruments, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), contain provisions relevant to domestic violence, including the right to life, security, and health. International law establishes states' obligations to prevent, respond to, and eliminate domestic violence by implementing appropriate legal frameworks, allocating resources, and promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.

  • Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

    CEDAW requires states to eliminate gender-based discrimination, including domestic violence. General Recommendation No. 19 explicitly recognizes domestic violence as a form of discrimination against women and outlines states' obligations to address it.

  • Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (DEVAW)

    Adopted in 1993, DEVAW emphasizes that violence against women, including domestic violence, constitutes a violation of women's human rights. It calls on states to prevent, investigate, and punish acts of domestic violence.

  • The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence

    Known as the Istanbul Convention, it is a comprehensive treaty specifically focused on domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence. It requires states to adopt a range of legal, policy, and practical measures to prevent violence, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators.

  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes a specific target (5.2) to "eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

  • Environmental law principles

    These principles seek to ensure that those responsible for causing environmental harm are held accountable and that the interests of future generations are considered in environmental decision-making. Ensuring that climate policies and measures are equitable, inclusive, and respect human rights requires ongoing efforts at the national, regional, and international levels.

How Can Girls Advocate to End Domestic Violence?

  • Using social media, blogs, and conversations to share information, break the silence, and challenge societal norms that perpetuate violence.

  • Empowering themselves and others by learning about their rights, the dynamics of domestic violence, and available resources, and sharing this knowledge to help others recognize signs of domestic violence and access support.

  • Girls can join or form organizations focused on promoting gender equality and the right to education, collaborating with others to amplify their voices.

  • Community involvement: Joining or forming local groups and organizations addressing domestic violence to develop community-based initiatives and support survivors.

  • Raising awareness, promoting healthy relationships, and supporting survivors through workshops, webinars, and campaigns that challenge harmful attitudes and practices.

  • Advocating for stronger laws and policies by contacting local representatives, attending public meetings, and participating in campaigns for policy changes.

  • Integrating discussions about domestic violence, healthy relationships, and gender equality into programs, and advocating for policies and resources addressing domestic violence.

  • Supporting survivors by listening to their stories, validating their experiences, and connecting them with appropriate resources, thereby challenging stigma and advocating for change.