Citation

Links Cent. Am. Health Rights Netw. 1999; ePub(ePub): 2.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Central America Health Rights Network)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12295031

Abstract

This editorial discusses domestic violence, which is the main topic of articles in this issue of Links. All contributing authors participated in Oxfam's workshop on violence against women held in Sarajevo. The workshop included 60 women from 25 countries who shared experiences and exchanged strategies for overcoming violence against women. Plans in 1999 include the domestic violence meeting in March of the Preparatory Committee for the International Criminal Court (ICC). Progress in changing social acceptance of domestic violence and in changing laws will depend upon governments' willingness to sign UN conventions and withdraw reservations. The UN Commission on the Status of Women will meet to review and appraise implementation of the Beijing Plan of Action. Oxfam has been active in pressuring the ICC to prosecute all forms of sexual violence as war crimes and as crimes against humanity. The first such prosecution in a Rwanda case is included in this issue. This issue also includes articles that reveal the experiences of women's organizations which are active in ending violence against women. These groups have used awareness-raising strategies, information gathering, lobbying for the creation and implementation of national and international laws, and establishment of services such as shelters and telephone support lines. The common thread regardless of country of origin is the suffering in silence and sense of isolation experienced by victims of violence and the difficulty of leaving violent domestic situations due to traditional values and social structures.

Language: en