manual: women workers' rights and gender equality - International ...

4.16 Domestic Violence
Objectives
• To define ‘violence’
• To become aware of the rights women have regarding domestic violence
Target group
• Women or men separately
• All ages
• All educational levels
• Urban and rural areas
Material
• This manual
Exercise
Step 1
• Start the discussion with asking the group:
- What is violence?
- What is domestic violence?
Step 2
• Make a distinction between what participants consider to be severe and less severe forms of
violence.
• Tell or remind them of the story about Ratha (session 4.1): She was beaten by her husband
quite regularly. One time she hurt her arm very seriously but was not allowed to see a doctor.
- Do they think this is a severe form of domestic violence?
- What would they do if they would be in Ratha’s case?
- What can you do to help a friend or relative in such a case?
Step 3
• Explain where to go in case of domestic violence. Emphasize that it is better for the victim to
go with a friend or group members.
• Explain the penalties for domestic violence; do they think this is fair?
• Ask the participants if they can try to think of a link between domestic violence and women’s
position in the community and at work.
Step 4
• Summarize the discussion and stress that if victims want to file a case they should go with a
friend or witness. Emphasize also that domestic violence is not a personal issue since it affects
the victim’s functioning in community and at work.
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