Violence against weaker human beings, including violence against women, is particularly prevalent where systems of values break down. This often applies to countries in economic and social transition. A change in consciousness among both sexes is a prerequisite for nonviolent coexistence.

An example from South Africa

Repercussions of the apartheid system can still be clearly felt in South Africa. It is primarily the men who are driven to drink for lack of prospects, and who often resort to violence against women and children. Very sadly, South Africa today has the highest incidence of rape in the world.

Since 1995 MISEREOR has been supporting a project launched by the diocese of Cape Town. The work focuses on establishing a social grassroots movement for women through a savings and credit allocation system that strengthens their economic and social position. Special dialogue and analysis seminars guide men and women towards comprehending the causes of domestic violence. Moreover, efforts are made to heighten their concern for a peaceful coexistence within the family. The fact that men are also involved in working out solutions and are sensitised to the issue of equitable development for women is crucial for social peace in this country.

An example from the Philippines

In Greater Cebu an average of six out of ten wives are battered by their husbands. The number of reported cases of incest is rising steadily. MISEREOR has been supporting the concept of Family Watch Groups (Bantay Banay Groups) for almost ten years now. Neighbouring families organise themselves at community level to take action and provide assistance where domestic violence flares up. Hospitals offer free examinations to women seeking help.

MISEREOR’s partner organisation

• conducts gender awareness-raising seminars for married couples and gender training courses for police and hospital staff;
• advocates the setting up of contact points run by women for women at police stations;
• forms groups in each region to undergo training in gender-specific problems, legal aid, counselling methods for family dialogue and mediation in cases of conflict.
The Bantay Banay Groups are lifting the taboo on the topic of domestic violence, bringing it out into the open and thus creating an enabling environment for social responsibility and advocacy against domestic violence.