Violence Against Women
Government has been urged to implement the domestic violence Act to protect the lives of people especially the vulnerable women and girls.
The domestic Violence Act was passed by Parliament in November 2009 and its main objective is to protect victims of domestic violence.
The Executive director Action for development (ACFODE) Regina Bafaki said even when parliament passed the domestic Violence Act; many women are still being battered by their husbands without much intervention by the police.
“We want to remind government that women are still facing lots of challenges so we appeal to you to come to their rescue by implementing this Act,” Bafaki said.
She was speaking during celebrations to mark 26 years of ACFODE over the weekend in Kampala.
Bafaki noted that 39% of women in Uganda have ever experienced gender based violence compared to the 11% of the men.
She added that such violence is higher among women in rural areas at 61% than those in urban areas whose percentage stand at 51.
“In Pallisa district for instance, defilement at 80% is ranked as the highest form of sexualized violence against women, followed by rape which is at 60%,” Bafaki noted.
Bafaki added that when women seek for justice, there is lack of social support mechanisms due to strong cultural, family and psychological pressures.
She further stressed that most of the places where survivors go for legal help are not trained in handling gender based violence related cases.
“Some are corrupt such as the police and local councils who are alleged to take bribes in case of domestic violence, are part of the culture that perpetuates violence against women,” she said.
The Founder Member ACFODE Dr. Hilda Tadia asked government to consider implementing commitments made in all existing laws for a good Uganda.
She also urged government to pass all pending bills that are aimed at addressing violence against women, and discrimination against women and girls such as the sex offences bill and the marriage and divorce bill.