04/01/2024
The story of the domestic violence survivor
Journalist / Aisha Hussein
Doaa, a young girl, sums up the story of climbing onto the roof of their house in a desperate attempt to escape the suffering she is experiencing: 'I'm tired of violence and endless threats, I can't live like this.'
Other statements were made by 'Amal' (a relative of Doaa); that her father locks her and her sisters for a long time in a dark room that does not reach the light, and beats and tortures them, to force them to marry and not complete their education as Doaa and her sisters wish.
Endless Stories
From time to time, news of incidents of domestic violence against women appears in Yemen, and specialists say that many cases go unreported due to fear and threats to which women are exposed.
Masculine society
"Cases of domestic violence are increasing in Yemen, and women are suffering from major violations, due to the patriarchal culture in society resulting from upbringing, and the economic conditions caused by the ongoing war have exacerbated the problem," said social worker Nada Nasser.
Nasser believes that women who are subjected to violence find it difficult to obtain protection, calling on the authorities and non-governmental organizations to work to advocate for women and protect them from violations against them, especially domestic violence.
Nasser stressed the need to implement education and awareness on granting women their rights, highlighting their roles in society, promoting awareness of women's rights and raising awareness of legislation and laws that guarantee their rights.
Psychological damage
Psychologist Mohammed Ismail, director of the Oxygen Your Life Center for Mental Health, explained that Yemeni society practices violence against women in all its forms, physical, verbal, sexual, and psychological, which has great psychological consequences and effects.
Ismail stressed the need for deterrent and strict laws to punish those who commit violence against women, and to work to educate society on how to support and empower women in practical life. He considered that no society can rise and develop, without the role of women's contribution and participation.
Domestic violence in law
Lawyer Ra'ana Donia explained
Yemen faces a lack of domestic legislation that protects women's rights and punishes abusers. She pointed out that Yemen suffers from radical challenges in terms of women's rights and the promotion of justice in all cases, especially domestic violence.
Lawyer Ra'ana points out that there are some national legislations that prohibit domestic violence and punish abusers in Yemen, such as the Personal Status Law and the Yemeni Labor Law, but the effective implementation of these legislations and the provision of necessary protection for women may be limited in some areas, including Hodeidah city, she said.
Lawyer Ra'ana called for strengthening reporting mechanisms and providing a safe haven for affected women, activating the judicial role and ensuring the implementation of justice, strengthening institutional capacities and training judges, policemen, lawyers and justice sector workers to ensure effective implementation of laws and provide protection for affected women.
At the same time, local authorities and NGOs must promote awareness of women's rights and provide the necessary support to women survivors.
* This material was produced within the outputs of the program of good media coverage of reproductive health issues and gender-based violence implemented by the Center for Studies and Economic Media in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund.
UNFPA Yemen
مركز الدراسات والإعلام الاقتصادي (SEMC)
