The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in three women worldwide suffer physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In 2017, 50,000 women around the world were killed by an intimate partner or family member. At the same time the number of femicide is increasing, some countries become aware of this danger, and feminist associations are trying to push governments to act. How to fight against this violence, what are the solutions and which countries to draw from ?
The penal response, or fight against violence against women through coercion? A joint European response to the Istanbul Convention in 2014 aims to prevent gender-based violence, protect victims of violence and punish perpetrators. Among the pioneering countries is Spain, a true leader in legislation to combat violence against women. Spain implemented measures introduced like free legal and psychological assistance for women victims of violence, the possibility of fast judgment by a competent authority and strict penalties for the perpetrator (if agreement works of general interest and prohibition of approach of the victim, otherwise prison sentence). In Brazil, for example, a country with one of the highest femicide rates in the world, President Bolsonaro has made it easier for people to own firearms in their homes. This measure is not an adequate response and there will be an escalation of violence in the homes.
Understanding the problem differently, long-term educational work ! On the other hand, the State cannot curb this problem by simple plans of massive investments, the answer must be societal and collective awareness. Repression can be part of the solution but must be accompanied by awareness-raising measures for all, among the youngest to combat stereotypes and promote gender equality, in adults by more awareness allowing to adopt the right behavior if one is witnessing an assault but also by more training for professionals welcoming the victims (police officers, judges,...).