In this section:
What Is Violence Against Women?
Forms of Violence Against Women
What can I do to help a victim of domestic violence?
What can I do as a victim of domestic violence to help myself?
What can I do if I have been raped?
What can I do if I am a victim of sexual harassment?

Violence against women is about power and control.

• Violence against women is a chosen action against a woman or girl child simply because of her gender, simply because she is female.
• Violence against women cuts across race, religion, income, class and culture.
• Violence Against Women is deeply embedded in all cultures, so much so that millions of women consider it a way of life.

Violence against a woman is a crime, and a violation of her human rights.

Men must be held responsible for their violence.

Of course not all men are abusive, but overwhelmingly, men are the abusers and women are the victims. Men make the choice how they let out their aggressions and upon who:

• most often, men who beat their wives do not hit their bosses, colleagues or male friends. Men batter because they feel they have the right to or think that their feelings are superior to a woman's;
• rape is not an "over-spill" of sexual energy. It is not an impulsive crime. A high percentage of rapists are "friends" and relatives. Rape is not prompted by provocative dress. Many teenagers in uniform have been raped.

No woman deserves violence, ever!

Violence against Women is not restricted to physical abuse.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is an abuse of power. It is when one partner usually a boyfriend or husband attempts to control and dominate the other, usually a girlfriend or wife through violence, threat of violence, or by controlling the couple's finances and social life.

The build up – tension rises.
Stand over phase – the man becomes threatening.
The explosion – the violence occurs.
The remorse phase – the man is apologetic and promises never to do it again.
The pursuit – the man attempts to win the woman back by promising to change.
The honeymoon – things are calm and perhaps even loving.
The build up – tension begins to rise again.

What can I do to help a victim of domestic violence?

• As a friend, let her know she is not alone. Battered women feel they don't have anyone to talk to. Speak openly with her about your suspicions and encourage her to talk.
• Be a telephone buddy. Women are often isolated and are not allowed to go out.
• Read and collect brochures and information to pass on to her. Talk to others. The more you know about this problem the more you can offer to someone in need.
• Talk with her about options and help her plan for crisis.
• Show belief in her ability to cope with change.
• Support her no matter what she decides to do.
• Provide a place for her and the children to stay for an afternoon or evening during tense times.
• Provide transportation to shelter and safe homes.
• Baby sit while she goes to lawyers or court, looks for housing, employment, etc.
• Go to court and take notes and provide support.
• Help her find housing.
• Help her on moving day, either from her house, or from a shelter to a new home.
• Call the police if you hear a neighbor being battered.

What can I do as a victim of domestic violence to help myself?

• Make an EMERGENCY PLAN
• Make a plan of what to and where to go if you are in danger. Tell your children of your plan if they are old enough to understand.
• Take your children with you if you can. If you must leave them temporarily, make sure they can join you as soon as possible. See a lawyer as soon as possible about custody.
• Whatever your vehicle, make sure it has petrol.
• Keep an extra set of keys and emergency numbers in a secret hiding place.
• Always keep some money hidden to help you get away.
• Take identification, important papers and necessary medication for you and your children.
• Keep a list of important phone numbers in the hiding place with your money.
• Work out a code word that can be used on the phone with someone you trust if you are in danger.

Rape and Sexual Assault

Rape and sexual assault use sex as the weapon. Legally, rape is limited to the insertion of the penis into your vagina against your will. If you are under 16 years of age sex with or without your consent is statutory rape. Sexual assault includes forced anal sex, insertion of objects into your vagina, mouth or anus.

What can I do if I have been raped?

If you are raped:

• Do not wash. Although your first instinct may be to clean yourself, do not wash. Go to the hospital immediately for a medical examination. There may be seminal and body fluids, mud, debris, fibers, hairs that provide important evidence.
• Go to the Emergency Room at the government hospital. The doctor will examine you and your genital area, as well as your clothes. You will also be asked to first fill out a form to give approval of the examination, and that the information will be used for police investigation. You may request a female gynecologist if you are uncomfortable with a male doctor. Hospital staff will also notify the police. A female officer will take your report at the hospital.
• If you go to the police first, a female police officer will accompany you take your report and accompany you to the hospital. After the first report, a detailed statement will be taken. You may be required to attend an identification parade to identify the alleged rapist.
• Contact a Women's NGO. You may want counseling and support.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment in the workplace refers to sexual conduct that is unwanted, unwelcome, or unsolicited.

What can I do if I am a victim of sexual harassment?

• Tell the harasser that his behavior is unwelcome and that you want it to stop. Say it firmly so the harasser knows you mean business!
• If the harasser continues, talk to someone in your organisation who could help you; i.e., personnel officer or sexual harassment counselor, employee/union representative.
• Record the details of each event: date, time, location, what happened, what was said, how you felt, and the names of any witnesses or others victimized by this person.
• You can write a letter to the offender, including description, date and time of unwelcome behavior, clear statement you want the behavior to stop, and warning of further action for noncompliance. Add your signature and date.
• MAKE A COPY FOR YOUR PERSONAL RECORDS AND CONSIDER HAVING SOMEONE WITNESS THE TRANSFER OF THE LETTER.
• Your manager or supervisor harassing you: speak to someone more senior, to your personnel officer and union representative. OR seek help from the: Labor Ministry, organizations that will provide counseling and assistance.

Employer's Responsibility
It is the employer's responsibility to ensure a harassment-free workplace. The Ministry of Human Affairs has prepared and issued a Code of Practice on the Prevention and Eradication of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace containing in-house guidelines.