What it looks like in Mitooma
Most of the risk sits inside families: between wife and husband, with children, in-laws and workers in the home. Children are beaten for minor offences such as breaking a cup or spilling milk.
The programme
Domestic violence is abuse and violence between members of a family. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological or technological.
Led by Komujuni Betty, Family Affairs Trainer.
When a husband dies
Relatives often grab the land and houses he owned, and brothers of the deceased attempt forced inheritance of the widow against her will, against the 1995 Constitution. Where a woman resists, it turns violent.
What triggers it
Poverty comes first.
Where basic needs go unmet, quarrels become the order of the day, and quarrels become fights.
Poverty
Unmet basic needs breed blame on both sides: he is not doing enough, she is extravagant.
Lack of communication
Misunderstanding grows into mistrust and insecurity, and into actions that are not appropriate.
Idleness
Time with nothing to fill it turns into rumour, and rumour spoils trust at home.
Possessiveness
Suspicion over every conversation leads to fights, separation, children out of school, and worse.
How we respond
From the home to the whole community.
- Advocacy At community rallies and sessions, with women, men and local leaders in the room.
- Counselling and support Counselling and support services for women and families, including for mental health.
- Well-being at home Training on communication and on the relationships and routines that keep conflict from turning violent.
- Economic empowerment Because poverty is the first trigger, an income of her own is part of the answer.
As the saying goes
Women are like tea bags: we don’t know our strength until we are in hot water. Women can change the nation once empowered and given the right skills.
Stand with her
Fund a survivor’s new start
Your gift supports rehabilitation for survivors of gender-based violence. If someone is in immediate danger, contact the police first.