Editorial

Eradicating Domestic Violence

BY FR Rafael Armada | EDITOR

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE is a disturbing reality very much present around the world. It often has a devastating impact on the members of families. South Africa is not an exception to this rule, and in fact, its femicide rate is five times higher than the global average. Covid-19 has not helped either in a reduction of violence, on the contrary, it has triggered its increase in already conflictual homes.

The South African Constitution (now we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of its promulgation) states that gender equality can only be achieved through dismantling patriarchal ideologies that perpetuate women’s oppression, and the country’s legislative and policy framework is aligned to the various international conventions to which it is a signatory. Furthermore, South Africa appears in a relatively dignified 17th position in the ranking of world countries for gender equality (according to the World Economic Forum, 2020) and third in sub-Saharan Africa, just behind Rwanda and Namibia. However, high levels of corruption and failing to implement gender legislation means that violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains high (whatworks.co.za).

The reality on the ground is, therefore, less satisfactory than what appears in the international reports. In fact, in the last quarter of last year, South Africa experienced increases of 6.6% and 5% in murders and sexual offences, respectively, compared to the same period in the previous year. Many of these crimes were linked to domestic violence. This trend needs a ‘U turn’, a profound change of mentality—particularly among many men—that may lead to a more respectful behaviour towards women. It is also vital to empower them, especially financially, so that they may be able to come out from toxic and abusive relationships when needed.

Some projects on behaviour change aimed to curb violence against women and children have already been put in place in South Africa, among others, ‘What works to prevent VAWG’ and ‘Project Empower’. The latter includes two initiatives: ‘Stepping Stones’, educational workshops against domestic violence and ‘Creating Futures’ a skills training programme for the economic empowerment of the participants; poverty being one of the main contributors to domestic violence. The results of these programmes indicate more effectiveness in prevention than in correcting existing disruptive situations. The ‘Change Project’ presents new attitudes to counteract domestic abusive behaviours, through door-to-door visits, talks in taverns, murals and street interactions. They trained participants in communication skills to prevent breakdowns in dialogue, a frequent cause of violence in families.

From a Christian perspective, violence can never be a solution nor a remedy for situations of conflict. The attitude of Jesus, regarding women is clear: contrary to the male domination cultural practices in His society, He valued and approached women with absolute respect. He never distanced himself from victims of abuse, but listened to them with sympathy and compassion, as we see Him, among others, with the Samaritan and the woman accused of adultery (Jn 4; 8: 1–11). The figure of St Joseph — in this special year dedicated to him—just and honest, caring for his wife and a role model father figure in the family, is absolutely relevant today.

Our Christian mission entails reconciliation and building a culture of peace. The testimony of Fr Gregor Smidt, from South Sudan, presented in this issue, is an example of it; the plight of foreign nationals abused, violated and trafficked for exploitation into South Africa, narrated in this edition, cannot leave us indifferent either. Efforts to liberate them, restore their dignity and denounce these awful crimes gives us hope for the building of a better world. A new culture that respects every person, every member in the family, created in the image of God, is urgent if we wish to eradicate any manifestation of violence and abuse inflicted upon the most vulnerable members of our societies.