Zero tolerance

How civilised is a society that tolerates violence against women, asks Alexander Alvaro

The answer to that might be obvious, though figures highlighting violence against women in Europe might make you think twice. Large-scale surveys, running since 1995 in member states, have revealed that violence against women is a fact in Europe, which has to be combated. One fifth to one quarter of all women in the countries surveyed have experienced physical violence at least once in their adult lives. More than one tenth have suffered sexual violence involving the use of force.

The perpetrators were usually men in their immediate environment – most frequently partners and ex-partners. A significant number of women are victims of domestic abuse – repeated physical, emotional and sexual abuse, which can, and does, cause fear, distress and, very often, damage to women’s health. Studies currently under way in several countries suggest that 12 per cent to 15 per cent of all women have been in a relationship where there is domestic abuse after the age of 16. The figures for physical and sexual assault by former partners, with whom the victims are no longer living, are a good deal higher – which shows that the danger persists, even when women have ended abusive relationships. Alas, these figures do not reflect the full reality of domestic violence against women, but merely the tip of the iceberg.

The definition delivered by the council of ministers to member states on the protection of women against violence shows what woman are exposed to when becoming a victim of violence: “Violence against women“ refers to any act of gender-based violence, which causes, or is likely to cause, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women. It includes the threat of such acts, coercion and arbitrary deprivation of liberty, occurring either in public or private life.

This definition applies, among other things, to violence occurring in the family or home, including physical and mental aggression, emotional and psychological abuse, rape and sexual abuse, incest, rape between spouses, regular or occasional partners and cohabitants, “honour” crimes, genital and sexual mutilation, and other traditional practices which are harmful to women, for example forced marriages.

As parliamentarians we can and must play an active and vital role in combating violence against women by promoting prevention, help for victims and/or survivors and taking action to make the public aware of this assault on human dignity, and by criminalising acts of domestic violence and change mentalities.

Parliaments must take clear, decisive stands on domestic violence against women and encourage discussions how to stop domestic violence against women. The European parliament has shown its responsibility through hosting several meetings and hearings. While doing this, parliaments can highlight the problem and review measures introduced in order to assess their effectiveness.

The Council of Europe recommends the following to national parliaments:

• Review their legislation and policies with view to guaranteeing the protection of human rights, ensuring that women are able to exercise freely their economic and social rights, ensuring that all measures are co-ordinated nation-wide and encouraging at all levels the work of NGOs;

• Recognise that states have an obligation to exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence, whether those acts are perpetrated by the state or private persons, and provide protection to victims;

• Recognise that male violence against women is a major structural and societal problem, based on unequal power relations between women and men and therefore encourage the active participation of men in actions aiming at combating violence against women;

• Encourage all relevant institutions dealing with violence against women (police, medical and social professions) to draw up medium – and long – term co-ordinated action plans, which provide activities for the prevention of violence and the protection of victims;

• Promote research, data collection and networking at national and international level;

• Promote the establishment of higher education programmes and research centres including at university level, dealing with equality issues, in particular with violence against women;

• Improve interactions between scientific community, the NGOs in the field, political decision-makers and legislative, health, educational, social and police bodies in order to design co-ordinated actions against violence;

• Consider establishing a national plan of action for combating violence against women.

By following these recommendations national parliaments and, where possible the European parliament, contribute to ensure that European societies can be called civilised in the best sense.