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WHO campaigns against Intimate Partner Violence
Punching, slapping, humiliation and bullying, sexual abuse, disparagement, threats, destruction of property, etc. Women pay a heavy price in cases of intimate partner violence (IPV). The World Health Organisation (WHO) has now produced a manual of recommendations aimed at political and social actors. This document will be presented at the 10th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion to be held in London from 21 to 24 September. The aim is to provide communities with guidance in drawing up an effective prevention strategy against such violence.
Intimate partner violence is a scourge. According to official figures, in France in 2008, 156 women died as a result of blows levelled against them by their partner or their ex partner. And these figures are no doubt incomplete. In Spain in 2008, 70 women died, despite the exemplary measures taken by this country to combat such violence: in 2004, Spain brought in a pioneering new law to deal with the legal, health, financial, social and psychological difficulties affecting battered women.
In the event of an emergency, dial 17
Breaking the vicious circle of intimate partner violence is often difficult. For those who are victims, the FNSF (French National Women’s Solidarity Federation) has some advice to offer. First of all, “break the silence” by calling 3919. In France, since 2007, women who are victims of intimate partner violence have been able to dial this helpline anonymously and free of charge. It offers victims advice on what steps to take and the role of the social services. Unfortunately, this helpline is only available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm and on public holidays from 10 am to 8 pm. In the event of an emergency, the number to call is the police or gendarmerie on 17.
Another piece of advice the FNSF gives is “to prepare to leave”, because when the victim’s partner begins to hitting them, the victim’s life is in danger. “Certain documents can be deposited in a safe place, with a solicitor or a specialist association”, the FNSF points out. Moreover, “it is important to have a doctor corroborate the signs of physical violence and produce a medical certificate”.
All countries are affected
After a first version in English, the WHO plans to have this manual of recommendations on dealing with marital violence translated into Arabic. This is a good thing, considering that numerous victims of such crimes are found all over the world. This new version will be put online by Destination Santé as soon as it becomes available.
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