Violence against women

RS/ Novo Hamburgo

Origins

Violence against women has been accepted and even condoned throughout history. More than 2,000 years ago, Roman law gave a man life and death authority over his wife. In the 18th Century, English common law gave a man permission to discipline his wife and children with a stick or whip no wider than his thumb. This "rule of thumb" prevailed in England and America until the late 19th century. Many feminists claim violence against women is the result of a deeply entrenched patriarchal culture that encourages and rewards male domination. They say that in a patriarchal culture, men are more likely to use violence to keep their dominant position. While society claims to abhor violence, we often make heroes of men who are aggressive. In the culture of masculinity, heroes are often predicated on some kind of violent action. The traditional model of masculinity encourages men to exude an aura of daring and aggression.

Increase in femicide during quarantine due to COVID-19

RS is the 4th state in Brazil with the most femicides between January and April 2020

Between March and April 2020, the State had a 23.5% increase in mortality from women compared to the same period in 2019. Compared to the first four months of 2019, Rio Grande do Sul had a 71% increase in femicide cases in 2020. While in January, February, March and April 2019 there were 21 cases; in 2020 there were 36. Data are from the Rio Grande do Sul Public Security Secretariat (SSP / RS).

“When we look at the data, the index that dropped are the least severe. In the case of - threat, for example - woman often thinks it is better to let it go. Now, the most serious crimes that cannot be covered up, such as femicide, have increased. It is necessary for women and the whole of society to understand that all crimes need to be reported ”, explains Tatiana Bastos, chief delegate of the Specialized Police Station for Assistance to Women (DEAM) in Rio Grande do Sul”

The delegate also points out that underreporting is a problem prior to Covid-19 aggravated in the context of the pandemic. “Underreporting is already the key to the issue of domestic violence, we have studies that show that 90% of women do not report it. In the case of the pandemic, with increased family life, many women are confined to their aggressors, which exacerbates underreporting, ”she said.

8 ways to overcome violence against women

Create laws and enforce existing laws that protect women from discrimination and violence, including rape, beatings, verbal abuse, mutilation, torture, “honor” killings and trafficking.

Educate community members on their responsibilities under international and national human rights laws.

romote the peaceful resolution of disputes by including the perspectives of women and girls.

Strengthen women’s ability to earn money and support their households by providing skills training for women.

Sensitize the public to the disadvantages of early and forced child marriages.

Highlight the value of girls’ education and of women’s participation in economic development.

Encourage women to participate in the political process and educate the public about the value of women’s votes.

Raise public awareness of the poor conditions some women face, particularly in rural areas.

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