Final article: Continuing to accompany, support, and share
Through changing perceptions and implementing a comprehensive set of solutions, the project "Enhancing the capacity of officials and raising public awareness in improving access to support services for women and children affected by gender-based violence" has transformed the lives of many victims and saved many families. However, given the persistent problems and emerging trends of violence, a coordinated effort with multiple solutions is urgently needed to prevent this situation.
FINAL LESSON:
Continue to stand together, support, and share.
Through changing perceptions and implementing a comprehensive set of solutions, the project "Enhancing the capacity of officials and raising public awareness in improving access to support services for women and children affected by gender-based violence" has transformed the lives of many victims. However, given the persistent and troubling reality, a coordinated effort with multiple solutions is urgently needed to prevent domestic violence.
CA new fragrance for those whose lives are in danger.
After three years of implementing the project "Enhancing the capacity of officials and raising public awareness in improving access to support services for women and children affected by gender-based violence," the situation of violence in the two communes of Quynh Thang and Quynh Luong has changed significantly. Specifically, the number of women and children who have experienced at least one act of gender-based violence decreased from 57.6% to 23%; 97.1% of victims of violence know who or where to seek help...
By the end of the project, 900 people affected by violence had received support, 80% of officials had their knowledge enhanced, and 200,000 people had improved attitudes and awareness about gender-based violence. The knots were gradually untied, and the pain was gradually replaced…
Ms. NTL (from Quynh Luong commune) confided: “Thanks to participating in the “New Life” club, I have had unprecedented experiences. For the first time in my life, I have been able to live as myself, see my strengths, learn to love myself more, and become more confident. The club is a safe and positive environment where victims of violence can heal their wounds, learn, and overcome violence together. Every time I come to the club, I gain more joy and hope.”
Ms. NTL's story reflects the feelings of many domestic violence victims after participating in the project. Above all, they have learned to care for, respect, and protect their own bodies more, and how to protect themselves in specific situations.
At the "Responsible Men" club, members are provided with knowledge about the law, understanding of domestic violence, gender stereotypes, and practice skills in anger management, non-violent conflict resolution, respectful communication, and more.
The project participants also received psychological therapy, helping men recognize the disadvantages of their childhood in relation to their current violent behavior, while motivating and guiding them on ways to transform negative behaviors/positive biases. Beyond focusing on work and caring for their wives and children, these male peer members also shared their stories with other husbands, readily "playing the role" of an abusive husband on stage to raise awareness among other husbands.
Recognizing economic capacity as a crucial factor in helping victims of violence gain confidence and independence, 100% of project participants received livelihood support and knowledge to effectively utilize the support, helping their families generate additional income. Based on local proposals, the Hagar Organization also supported many vulnerable women and children at risk of violence.
To end the suffering of domestic violence
On May 18, 2024, the Prime Minister signed Decision No. 428/QD-TTg promulgating the Plan for the implementation of the Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence, specifically defining the content of work, deadlines, progress of completion, responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, relevant organizations, and localities in organizing the implementation of the Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence nationwide. Prior to that, on February 13, 2022, the Prime Minister issued a Decision approving the Program on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence in the New Context until 2025. This demonstrates the State's concern for the current state of domestic violence.
Besides implementing the Law, Decrees, and policies, the prevention and control of domestic violence needs to be given attention, thoroughly understood, and implemented decisively at the local level. In Nghe An, to enhance the status and role of women, Party committees, government agencies, and mass organizations have implemented many appropriate solutions and approaches according to their assigned functions and tasks. Specifically, the Department of Culture and Sports has developed 59 models of "Prevention and control of domestic violence associated with the dissemination of moral education and lifestyle within the family"; the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs has developed 4 models of "Men taking the lead in preventing and responding to gender-based violence", 3 models of "Trusted addresses and temporary shelters in the community", and 2 models of "Businesses participating in the prevention and response to gender-based violence"...
These coordinated and decisive efforts have gradually reduced domestic violence, bringing gender equality to every village, every community, and every home. According to statistics from the past 10 years, the number of domestic violence cases in the province has decreased significantly. In 2023, the rate of victims of domestic violence and gender-based violence who were detected and accessed at least one of the basic support services reached 100%; the rate of perpetrators of domestic violence and gender-based violence who were detected and received counseling at violence prevention and control counseling centers reached 98.5%; the rate of victims receiving support services and reintegration into the community reached 100%; and the rate of public social assistance facilities implementing activities to assist, prevent, and respond to gender-based violence in the province reached 75%…
Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Hien, Vice President of the Nghe An Provincial Women's Union, shared: “We will continue to maintain and promote the effectiveness of successful models and practices from the past and mobilize the participation and cooperation of the entire system, organizations, and individuals. At the same time, we will leverage the support of national-level programs and projects and non-governmental organizations on preventing and combating gender-based violence to bring the best benefits to women and children.”