Globally, it is estimated that 1 in 3 women (approximately 30% aged 15 and older) have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at the hands of an intimate partner, non-partner, or both at least once in their lifetime. This translates to over 736 million women worldwide who have suffered from gender-based violence. According to the National Survey on Violence in Uganda (2021), a staggering 95% of Ugandan women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence, highlighting the pervasive nature of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country. Furthermore, the Minister of State for Gender and Culture reported that GBV resulted in at least 168 fatalities in the year 2020 alone, underscoring the urgent need for effective prevention and response measures to address this critical issue.”
Risk factors contributing to the violence
Patriarchal attitudes and norms are societal beliefs that perpetuate male dominance and control over women, viewing women as objects for men’s gratification, rather than as equals with autonomy. For example, men are looked at as breadwinners and women as caregivers which limits women’s opportunities and autonomy. Societal tolerance and acceptance of violence against women as a normal part of life, and silencing women’s voices, experiences, and perspectives. All these perpetuate violence against women.
Unequal distribution of power, resources, and opportunities between men and women. limiting women’s access to resources like education, employment, and healthcare can create dependence on men, making them vulnerable to abuse. Women’s economic dependence on men can make them more susceptible to abuse and exploitation.
Substance abuse: Alcohol and drug abuse can contribute to violent behavior. For example, intoxication can reduce self-control, making it difficult for individuals to regulate their behavior. Alcohol and drugs can intensify emotions, making individuals more prone to anger, irritability, and violent outbursts.
Weak legal frameworks. Inadequate laws and policies to prevent and respond to violence against women like Lack of protection from legal entities like the police, inadequate laws fail to provide sufficient protection for victims, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity. Additionally, gaps in legislation that is weak or nonexistent laws addressing specific forms of violence (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault) create a culture of tolerance.
Lack of accountability. Perpetrators often go unpunished or un held accountable. failing to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions sends a message that violence is tolerated. Encourages repeat behavior: Without consequences, perpetrators may continue or escalate their violent behavior.
Effects of violence
Women are disproportionately affected by violence, which can lead to devastating effects, such as physical injury, mental health issues, and social and economic disadvantage.
Physical effects including Injuries (bruises, cuts, broken bones), chronic pain like ongoing pain from injuries or musculoskeletal problems caused by violence which leads to permanent disabilities, such as paralysis or blindness, resulting from severe injuries. Additionally, violence causes reproductive health issues like miscarriage, infertility or complications during pregnancy due to physical abuse.
Violence leads to emotional and psychological effects including fear and intimidation. For example, ongoing physical violence can create a climate of fear, making victims feel emotionally controlled and isolated which increases emotional vulnerability, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Social effect. Victims may withdraw from social connections and community due to shame, fear, or embarrassment. Violence can also damage relationships with family and friends, leaving victims without support, restricted mobility for example, fear of violence can limit women’s freedom to move, work, or participate in public life.
Furthermore, violence affects women economically. Violence can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism (being present but unproductive), or leaving work altogether.
Low self-esteem and self-worth. Abusers often and constantly use criticizing and belittling verbal words to erode victims’ self-worth, making them feel inadequate and worthless. Additionally, violence leads to Lack of self-care, where victims may prioritize their abuser’s needs over their own, neglecting self-care and reinforcing low self-esteem.
Recommendations
Strengthen laws and policies: Enact and enforce laws protecting women from violence and ensure policies address the root causes. Well-defined laws and penalties for violent acts against women ensure perpetrators are held accountable and laws enable protection orders to keep victims safe from abusers. For example, Domestic Violence Act (2010) which provides legal protection and support for victims of domestic violence, Penal Code Act (1950) that criminalizes sexual offenses, including rape and defilement and Sexual Offences Act (2019) which strengthens laws against sexual violence, including sexual harassment and exploitation.
Through raising awareness, the communities get to learn about the impacts of violence, challenge societal norms, harmful gender stereotypes and societal norms that perpetuate violence. Raising awareness educates people about the causes and consequences of violence against women. Raising awareness reduces stigma around violence against women through encouraging more survivors to speak out. promote gender equality.
Engage men and boys to encourage positive masculinity. Involving men in prevention efforts, and holding perpetrators accountable will promote a healthy masculinity and support men in adopting positive, non-violent forms of masculinity. Engaging men also helps men understand the impact of violence on women and girls which encourages empathy. Furthermore, engaging men builds positive relationships between women and men fosters healthy, equal relationships.
Promote women’s empowerment which will support women’s economic independence, education, and participation in decision-making processes. Women empowerment increases autonomy which empowers women to have greater control over their lives, and reduce vulnerability to violence. Financial autonomy also reduces dependence on abusive partners.
Monitor progress: Regularly assess the effectiveness of efforts to address violence against women and make data-driven improvements. Tracking trends and patterns to identify areas where violence is most prevalent, informing targeted interventions. Evaluating program effectiveness helps ensure the effectiveness in preventing violence like identifying gaps in services. This will help areas where services are lacking, enabling resource allocation to address these gaps. Monitoring legal and policy frameworks will ensure perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Author:
Babirye Roseline, Program Assistant Gender and ICT Policy Advocacy
