Reaffirmation of Resolution 1998/4 with Update (2013, No. 3) Open

Promoting Violence-Free Family Life (1998, No. 4)

that all NFAs promote the development and implementation of programmes that address the problem of domestic violence with particular reference to the human rights of women and children and that these programmes be concerned specifically with:

• demanding legislation and adequate resources to prevent domestic violence and to protect the victims;
• encouraging research by governments, universities and private institutions into the incidence, causes, nature and effects of family violence;
• addressing the social conditions that lead to family violence;
• raising awareness through the media, seminars and study programmes of the increasing levels of violence against women and girls;
• ensuring that, because of the widespread and increasing incidence of family violence in many societies, education for the peaceful resolution of conflict is included in school curricula at all levels;
• establishing shelters in the community where those abused can receive protection and support;
• disseminating information widely about access to help in crises;
• developing and supporting strategies whose effectiveness is proven in breaking self-perpetuating patterns of family violence.

and wishes to update it with the following addition:

 

The 31st Conference resolves that:

1. National Federations and Associations call upon the appropriate level of government to conduct campaigns that emphasize the need for equality between women and men as a key element in the prevention of violence against women and girls;
2. NFAs urge that human rights education become a priority within all school curricula with particular emphasis on family violence as an abuse of human rights; and
3.  NFAs increase their efforts to urge their governments and private institutions to fund research to assist authorities in recognizing all forms of domestic violence.

 

Suggested Action:

1. NFAs should organize and participate in campaigns to inform women and girls of their rights in this regard and raise awareness through the media;
2. NFAs should encourage state and municipal authorities to co-operate with NGOs to organize educational programmes for police, teachers, social/health-care professionals, religious leaders, the judiciary and immigration authorities to help them to recognize crimes suffered by women and girls. Especially important is to recognize crimes which are often hidden in the disguise of culture; and
3. GWI board and committees should assist NFAs with materials for advocacy and encourage them to collect and disseminate best practices.