UNFPA helps Vietnamese localities fight domestic violence
The number of domestic violence cases reported in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre dropped from 642 in 2012 to 187 in 2015, according to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
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The decrease was partially thanks to the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through “the pilot model of a minimum intervention package on domestic violence” implemented in the locality from 2012 through 2016, heard a workshop in Ben Tre on September 27.
During the period, the UNFPA sponsored domestic violence projects in 12 communes in the province, helping raise public awareness of gender equality.
However, the department said, domestic violence still remains a problem in the province, with the victims mainly women aged from 16-59, children and the elderly.
Most participants at the workshop emphasised the need to handle domestic violence with reconciliation measures.
Many suggested communication campaigns should target men to root out domestic violence.
Ben Tre is one of two localities nationwide, together with the northern province of Hai Duong, piloting the UN model.
The intervention package include prevention, a referral system, and safety and protection.
Based on lessons learned from the pilot in these two provinces, the minimum intervention package will be adjusted in response to local contexts.
National statistics show that 58% of married women have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime, while 87% did not seek any assistance from authorities.
