Domestic Violence Prevention Research Articles

Conceptualizing Emotional Domestic Violence and Supporting its Victims

가정폭력처벌법과 가정폭력방지법이 시행되기 시작한지 20년이 넘었지만 가정폭력처벌법의 입법취지인 건강한 가정의 육성과 가정의 회복에 가려져서 그동안 가정 폭력 피해자들의 인권은 충분히 보호받지 못했다. 신체적인 폭력 조차도 범죄 행위로서 충분히 다뤄지지 못했던 경우가 많았던 만큼 비물리적인 형태의 폭력인 가정 내 정서적 폭력은 폭력 유형 중 가장 빈번히 보고되는 폭력임에도 불구하고 그동안 그 심각성이 중요하게 인식되지 못했다. 그러나, 정서적 폭력의 파괴적 영향력은 결코 신체적 폭력에 비해 뒤지지 않을 뿐만 아니라 오히려 회복되지 않는 평생에 걸친 상처를 남긴다. 이 논문에서는 가정 내 정서적 폭력의 피해자들을 보호하고 지원할 수 있는 방법을 마련하기 위해서 먼저 정서적 폭력과 관련된 개념들을 통합적으로 정리하였고, 아동 및 배우자에 관해서 현행 법령 및 사회적 시스템이 이러한 개념들에 관해서 얼마나 잘 부합되어 있고 운용되고 있는지 살펴보았으며, 그러한 비교 분석 결과를 토대로 정서적 폭력 피해자들을 도울 수 있는 예방적 방안들을 제시하였다.About 20 years have passed since the “Act on special cases concerning the punishment, etc. of crimes of domestic violence”, and the “Act on the prevention of domestic violence and protection, etc. of victims” were enacted in Korea. However, the victims of domestic violence are still not properly protected by the law because of an excessive focus on maintaining the family rather than protecting domestic victims’ human rights, as in the “Act on special cases concerning the punishment, etc. of crimes of domestic violence”. In many cases, even the victims of severe physical violence were not protected by the law. People are not naturally aware that the victims of emotional violence with non-physical harm have to be protected, even though emotional violence is the most frequently reported violence among all types of domestic violence. Emotional child abuse was legally defined by the Supreme Court of Korea in 2011 for the first time. This definition considers physical violence to be more severe violence than emotional violence. However, in 2015 the Constitutional Court of Korea decided that emotional violence is equally as violent as physical violence. This study attempted to conceptualize the interrelated and overlapping concepts of emotional domestic violence, including violence, abuse, and neglect, in order to prepare for the first steps in supporting victims of emotional violence. After which, legislations for domestic violence are explored with the goal of supplementing the gap between the specification of emotional violence and related legislations. This study then explored the weaknesses and defects of the legal and social systems devoted to addressing emotional violence. Finally, this study suggested comprehensive future directionsfor supporting victims of emotional violence and violence prevention including:the need to use common terminology for this violence among government parties, specialist qualifications for this field, the need to understand emotional neglect as violence, and the need to educate the respect to personal boundaries.

Preventive accounting of the rapist in the practical activities of authorized units of the National Police of Ukraine for the prevention of domestic violence

The article presents a model of legal support for the functioning of preventive accounting of the offender a special measure inthe system of the National Police of Ukraine, such as, specifies the list of authorized units and formulates the grounds for accountingof the offender National Police of Ukraine.Preventive accounting of the offender is the organizational and practical measures in the practical activities of authorized unitsof the National Police of Ukraine to control the behavior of the offender in order to prevent recurrence of domestic violence, compliancewith temporary restrictions on his rights and responsibilities the commission of domestic violence. The authorized subdivisions of theNational Police of Ukraine, which are responsible for taking the offender into preventive accounting and carrying out preventive workwith the offender, are district police officers and juvenile prevention units.It is proposed to amend the order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine “On approval of the Procedure for accounting,preventive work and disaccounting of the offender by an authorized unit of the National Police of Ukraine” from 02/25/2019 № 124taking a person on preventive accounting of the offender of the National Police of Ukraine, in order to ensure the effective functioningof the latter. In particular, to change part 1 item of 4 Section I, part 1 item 1 of Section II – by analogy to part 2 item 1 of this Section,to delete item 5 of Section I, part 1 and part 2 items of 2 Section.

Would Shaming or Instilling Hope in Indian Bystanders Lead to Positive Reporting Intentions? Examining the Impact of Emotional Appeals and Perceived Social Support in Domestic Violence Prevention PSAs

ABSTRACT Research on sexual violence and bullying has highlighted the importance of bystander intervention. This empirical study focuses on public health messaging that can induce positive behavior change and help curb domestic violence, a global human rights and health issue. With psychological distance as the theoretical framework, the current study explored the persuasive impact of emotional ad appeals – shame (other-focused) and hope (ego-focused) – on varying levels of perceived peer support among participants from India. From a regression analysis, the findings showed that hope was more effective than shame in generating favorable attitudes toward the ad and stronger reporting intentions. Furthermore, hope was more effective among those with low perceived peer support, while either emotion worked well for those with high perceived peer support. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

The algorithm of the work of a social pedagogue on the prevention of domestic violence with children

Domestic violence is one of the most important problems both in the world and in Kazakhstan. TheWorld Health Organization (WHO), governments of different countries, international and national publicorganizations, the people themselves deal with this problem. Many countries have laws, roadmaps,and strategies to prevent domestic violence. In the field of education, the prevention or elimination ofviolence against children and abuse is one of the most important priorities. In Kazakhstan, UNESCO isactively working to protect the rights of children. They analyze the situation of Kazakhstani families andchildren, the situation of children in school and present the results. In our article, compiling our ownquestionnaire and using it as a research method provides the closest approach to the situation of children.The results of the study once again show the true picture of violence against children. The contradictionlies in the discrepancy between the ideas of children and parents about domestic violence. It isknown that the role of social pedagogues in schools occupies a special place in this regard. Nevertheless,a sufficient level of their competence to solve this problem and a specific algorithm of work is an issuethat attracts the attention of the education sector.Key words: domestic violence, protection of children’s rights, social educator, algorithm.

Prevention of domestic violence against the elderly

Domestic violence is one of the most common forms of human rights violations. Illegal actions against a family member are in most cases accompanied by acts of aggression, humiliation and abuse. Such actions by the abuser lead to a negative physical, mental and social health of the victim or several members of the family. As a rule, women, children and the elderly suffer the most from domestic violence.
 The state is the main actor in combating violence, and public authorities should help to create the environment of non-violence by taking the necessary measures and creating the system of protection of victims, punishment of perpetrators and prevention of violence.
 Despite the existing regulatory provision in the field of combating and protecting the rights and interests of victims of domestic violence, as well as a wide range of scientific papers focused on various aspects in this area, the problem of domestic violence remains relevant and needs theoretical clarification and justification.
 The purpose of the article is to determine the causes of the origin of domestic violence against the elderly, to analyze the forms for the commission of violence against persons of this category, to focus on the wide scale of this issue, preventive measures and the need to create an information base (statistics) of victims. The introduction of an information database (statistics accounting) of victims suffered from domestic violence will ensure unimpeded access for employees of the National Police, territorial centers of social services and medical institutions to information about the victims. Inquiries and reports will make it possible to quickly and efficiently update the information and keep differentiated statistical records of such persons.

ЗАХИСТ ПРАВ ЖІНОК НА РІВНІ ГРОМАДИ: ДОСВІД МІСТА УМАНЬ

У статті узагальнено регіональні аспекти інноваційного досвіду розробки системи заходів із забезпечення рівних прав жінок і чоловіків, виявлення ефективних інструментів впровадження цієї системи. Встановлено, що такі інноваційні підходи запроваджуються в місті Умань, координаційний центр яких – Управління праці та соціального захисту населення Уманської міської ради.
 Серед основних досягнень на шляху до встановлення гендерної рівності та дотримання прав жінок слід назвати такі: затверджена соціальна Програма протидії торгівлі людьми на період 2015 – 2020 роки; міська соціальна Програми з утвердження гендерної рівності на період 2015-2020 рр.; функціонує мобільна бригада соціально-психологічної допомоги особам, які постраждали від домашнього насильства та/або насильства за ознакою статі; прийнято рішення Уманської міської ради «Про приєднання до Європейської Хартії рівності жінок і чоловіків у житті місцевих громад»; розроблено та затверджено Порядок взаємодії суб’єктів, що здійснюють заходи у сфері запобігання та протидії домашньому насильству і насильству за ознакою статі тощо.
 Відповідно до цих програм вживаються заходи із попередження виникнення фактів насильства в сім`ї, насильства за ознакою статі та торгівлі людьми.

From campus to communities: evaluation of the first UK-based bystander programme for the prevention of domestic violence and abuse in general communities

BackgroundViolence against women and girls is a public health epidemic. Campus-based research has found bystander programmes show promise as effective primary prevention of sexual violence. However, evidence regarding domestic violence and abuse bystander prevention specifically, and in community settings generally, is still in development. Further, research has predominantly emanated from the US. Examining proof of concept in differing cultural contexts is required. This study evaluates the feasibility and potential for effectiveness of a domestic violence and abuse bystander intervention within UK general communities—Active Bystander Communities.MethodsParticipants recruited opportunistically attended a three-session programme facilitated by experts in the field. Programme feasibility was measured using participant attendance and feedback across nine learning objectives. Myth acceptance, bystander efficacy, behavioural intent and bystander behaviours were assessed using validated scales at baseline, post-intervention, and four-month follow-up. Results were examined for potential backlash. Analyses used a paired sample t-test and effect size was quantified with Cohen’s d.Results58/70 participants attended all programme sessions. Participant feedback consistently rated the programme highly and significant change (p ≤ 0·001) was observed in the desired direction across behavioural intent, bystander efficacy, and myth acceptance scores at post and follow-up. Effect size was generally large and, with the exception of Perception of Peer Myth Acceptance, improved at follow-up. Backlash was minimal.ConclusionsTo our knowledge this is the first UK-based study to examine the potential of bystander intervention as a community-level intervention for domestic violence and abuse. Findings are promising and indicate the translatability of the bystander approach to domestic violence and abuse prevention as well as community contexts. This is likely to be of great interest to policymakers and may help shape future community-based interventions. Further research is now needed using experimental designs engaging diverse community audiences.

The prevalence of domestic violence and its association with family factors: a cross-sectional study among pregnant women in urban communities of Hengyang City, China

BackgroundWith the increased vulnerability during pregnancy, domestic violence (DV) is a serious threat to the physical and mental health of pregnant women, making it a significant issue in public health initiatives. In China, family is of great significance to pregnant women, but few scholars have focused specifically on the relationship between the family factors of pregnant women and DV. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and association between family factors and DV among women in late pregnancy, to provide evidence for the prevention of domestic violence during pregnancy.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from July–October, 2019 among pregnant women in urban communities of Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China. A total of 813 participants were included by a multi-staged cluster random sampling method. DV was assessed by the Abuse Assessment Screen Questionnaire (AAS). A multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between family factors and DV.ResultsUltimately, 127 (15.62%) participants were identified as victims of DV. After adjustment, the potential risk factors of DV were tensions between their mother-in-law and other family members (OR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.29 to 6.30 and OR: 3.30; 95% CI: 1.57 to 6.93), medium household debt (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.18 to 4.00), middle and low family APGARI (OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.30 to 3.13 and OR: 4.01; 95% CI: 2.09 to 7.69).ConclusionsIn summary, women in late pregnancy were at higher risk of DV in the family with tensions, medium household debt and family dysfunction, which may help medical personnel intervene in cases of domestic violence against pregnant women in a reasonable and timely manner.

Maternal experience of intimate partner violence and its association with morbidity and mortality of children: Evidence from India.

ObjectiveThis study attempts to investigate the association between maternal exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and morbidity and mortality of children.Study designA cross-sectional study was carried out using the most recent nationally representative data of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) in India.ResultsThe prevalence of morbidity and mortality was higher among the children whose mothers faced physical, emotional, or sexual violence perpetrated by the partner than those who did not encounter any violence. Multivariate analysis revealed that maternal exposure to physical and sexual violence significantly increased the risks of childhood diarrhea and fever; and emotional violence was associated with an increased likelihood of diarrhea, fever, and acute respiratory infection (ARI) in the past 2 weeks among under-five children. Moreover, women’s experience of physical and emotional violence were associated with increased odds of infant mortality (<1 year) and under-five mortality (<5 years) in crude analysis. However, these associations were insignificant in the adjusted analysis. Similarly, we did not find any significant association between maternal exposure to IPV and child mortality (1 to < 5 years).ConclusionMaternal experience of domestic violence was associated with an increased risk of childhood morbidity (diarrhea, fever and ARI). However, no significant association was found between violence against women and mortality of children. Prevention of domestic violence may help to reduce childhood illnesses. Additional efforts are needed for maternal and child healthcare programs to improve health status of women and children.

RESTRICTIVE MEASURES THAT APPLY TO PERPETRATORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN EXPERIENCE

The article analyzes international legislation in the fi eld of prevention of domestic violence, as well as foreign experience in the legal regulation of restrictive measures applied to persons who have committed domestic violence. It is concluded that a number of international legal acts are devoted to the prevention of domestic violence, among which the UN Model legislation on domestic violence from 02.02.1996 takes a Central place, on the basis of which European countries, including Ukraine, introduced the Institute of restrictive measures into national legislation.According to the results of the study of the experience of foreign countries, it was found that a common approach in the fi eld of countering domestic violence was to allow the courts to apply other criminal measures in addition to punishing «off enders» (in some countries, instead of punishing them).In order to prevent the commission of domestic violence, it is proposed to expand the range of persons who can apply to the court for the issuance of a restrictive order provided for in part 1 of article 26 of the Law of Ukraine «On the prevention and counteraction of domestic violence». In art. 91-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine proposes to expand the legal grounds for applying restrictive measures against persons who have committed domestic violence and are not recognized as the subject of a crime, or are recognized as the subject of a crime, but they may be subject to compulsory medical measures, compulsory treatment or compulsory educational measures, etc.

Effectiveness of Video Assessed Teaching Progamme on Prevention of Domestic Violence among Adolescent Boys at Selected College, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu

A study to assess the effectiveness of video assessed teaching programme on prevention of domestic violenceamong adolescent boys at selected college. The objectives were to assess the pre and post test effectivenessregarding prevention of violence among adolescent boys, to determine the effectiveness of video assessedteaching programme on prevention of violence and to find out the association between post-test knowledgescore and selected demographic variable. A quasi experimental study was used and non probability purposivesampling technique with the sample of 60 adolescent boys. Questionnaire was formulated and used to assessthe knowledge . The collected data was tabulated and analyzed. Descriptive and inferential statistics wereused. The man value is 4.66 and h standard deviation value is o.3252. Adolescent boys were having adequateknowledge 46.6%,moderately adequate knowledge 33.3% and inadequate knowledge 20%,video assessedteaching programme so, it shows improvement in the knowledge was shown after administering the teachingprogramme. So such research studies will help to increase the knowledge level of the adolescent boysthereby prevention of domestic violence.

The prevention of assault and torture in the system of domestic violence prevention in Russia: the review of regional tendencies of legal regulation

The research object is social relations emerging in the process of the prevention of assault and torture as manifestations of donmestic violence. The research subject is the crime prevention legislation, administrative responsibility laws, federal and regional program-targeted documents regulating the sphere of domestic violence, and theoretical insights into this topic. The purpose of the research is to analyze regional tendencies of legal regulation of the prevention of assault and torture, as a part of the system of domestic violence prevention in Russia. To achieve this goal and research tasks, the author uses general scientific (analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction) and specific research methods, with the formal-legal method as a basic one, which is connected with the analysis of legal regulations in their system unity. The scientific novelty of the research is proved by the fact that regional peculiarities of legal regulation of the prevention of assault and torture as a part of the system of domestic violence prevention haven&amp;rsquo;t been studied sufficiently enough. Assault and torture are the factors signalling about the aggravation of home conflicts and leading to the further escalation. In Russia, municipalities create&amp;nbsp; a system of measures which includes some or all of the following elements: 1) the formation of public awareness about the domestic violence problem; 2) information and methodology support for the activities of law-enforcement agencies and social services responsible for the prevention of domestic violence; 3) the provision of interaction between medical institutions and law-enforcement bodies and social services; 4) the introduction of punishment for home rowdyism and the provocation of home conflicts.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;

Etiologia i konteksty polityki publicznej przeciwdziałania przemocy w rodzinie w Polsce

Autor analizuje strukturę polityki walki z przemocą w rodzinie w Polsce, z perspektywy historycznego rozwoju polityk publicznych przeciwdziałania przemocy domowej w Polsce oraz źródeł i przyczyn stojących za konkretnymi rozwiązaniami. Szczególną uwagę poświęca etiologii kształtowania się procesu rozszerzania ochrony praw człowieka z przestrzeni publicznej do sfery prywatnej konkretnych jednostek na świecie i w Europie, a także budowaniu społecznych (obywatelskich) i instytucjonalnych ram najważniejszych instytucji związanych z przeciwdziałaniem przemocy w rodzinie w Polsce. Przedstawia sposób formułowania orazimplementowania na gruncie krajowym elementów tworzących system przeciwdziałania przemocy. Posługuje się klasycznymi metodami analizy znanymi z zakresu wiedzy o politykach publicznych.

Public Organizations of Ukraine in the System of Preventing and Counteracting Domestic Violence

The problem of domestic violence that exists in Ukraine is recognized as a serious problem and requires significant and comprehensive efforts to its solution, as well as the involvement of various actors, whose activities are aimed at overcoming domestic violence. Public organizations play an important role in such activities, the role of which is reflected in the Law of Ukraine “On Prevention and Counteraction to Domestic Violence”. The scientific novelty of the article is to study the directions and forms of work of public organizations in the field of prevention and counteraction to domestic violence and their systematization, introduction into scientific circulation of analytical materials and information prepared by public organizations. The research methodology is based on a dialectical approach to the cognition of socio-legal phenomena through comparative and legal analysis of definitions, historical and analytical methods in studying the activities of public organizations and their participation in the formation and implementation of public policy, using the observation method.&#x0D; Analysis of the work of public organizations as subjects of state policy to prevent and combat domestic violence provided grounds to clarify the systematization of the main areas of such work. Such grounds include prevention of domestic violence, advocacy of ratification of the Istanbul Convention, advocacy, participation in public policy (development of programs at the national and regional levels), work with offenders, training of specialists, policy monitoring and provision of services to victims. Forms of work of public organizations develop in time and space, in accordance with the needs of practical activities. Improving the efficiency of public organizations is seen in their networking, strengthening cooperation with scientific and educational institutions.

Dilemmas about the scope of the Act on Prevention of Domestic Violence from a human rights perspective

The adoption of the Act on Prevention of Domestic Violence was driven by the creation of a more effective legal framework for the protection of victims of domestic violence, and, therefore, also by the alignment of the legal system of the Republic of Serbia with international obligations. The main novelties include multi-sectoral cooperation and primarily preventive nature of the law. However, from its very adoption, it has been pointed to its noticeably repressive character, as well as to provisions with potentially harmful impacts. Hence, this paper represents a contribution to the discussion on the importance and scope of the solutions provided for in the Act on Prevention of Domestic Violence. On the one hand, it points to major novelties intended to contribute to a more effective prevention of domestic violence. On the other hand, it questions the constitutionality and appropriateness of some of the legal solutions, arguing that, in particular respects, the lawmaker had to use a wiser and more subtle approach to conceptualising the provisions of this law.

In Case You Haven't Heard…

Alaska needs help treating alcohol use disorders (AUDs), and a tax on alcoholic beverages will help. Police would get the largest amount of money from the proceeds of the tax, however. Only some of these millions of dollars would go to treatment and prevention. The 5% tax was originally expected to raise $11 million to $15 million. Current estimates are $11.8 million, which would go to: public safety (police) ($4.1 million), child abuse and domestic violence prevention ($3.1 million), and $4.5 million divided between substance use prevention and treatment and help for the homeless. For more on the story, go to https://www.alaskapublic.org/2020/01/28/anchorage‐to‐decide‐again‐on‐an‐alcohol‐tax/.

Prevention of domestic violence is everyone’s personal deal!

The article summarizes approaches to coercive measures that apply to persons who have committed domestic violence, as well as developing their own recommendations to address or reduce the severity of this problem in society. The existing and planned measures by the National Police of Ukraine on the impact on criminals practicing domestic violence are analyzed. Examples of the fight against domestic violence in the leading countries of the world are given. The need for a clear definition in the minds of citizens what exactly should be qualified as domestic violence is noted. It is recommended to conduct thematic lessons with the disclosure of such concepts as “mutual respect”, “mutual assistance”, “respectful attitude to women, as well as older persons”, “tolerant attitude to people with special needs” and others, which ultimately will help to grow mentally healthy nation. Programs that teach young people healthy relationship skills such as communication, effectively managing feelings, and problem-solving can prevent violence. These skills can stop violence in dating relationships before it occurs. The best way to put a lasting stop to domestic violence is for people to abstain from the practice of trying to control and mistreat those they love. To be able to achieve this goal, we need to teach our younger generation the significance of respecting their prospective partners through a courteous and healthy bond with our spouses and partners. There are several ways to boost the prevention of domestic violence in our community. A major strategy for preventing domestic violence, frequently referred to as intimate partner violence, is by boosting respectful and peaceful relationships. It is proposed to organize the work of a sufficient number of centers of social and psychological assistance available for victims, as well as free helplines that should work around the clock.

Strengthening the Circle: An International Review of Government Domestic Violence Prevention Plans and Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples.

This study describes the level of government commitment in preventing domestic violence (DV) toward Indigenous women in countries of the Global North. Seventy-two government-endorsed DV prevention plans across 11 countries were analyzed. While more than half of the plans acknowledged Indigenous peoples, the main discourse reinforced a Western DV paradigm, reproduced negative stereotypes, and ignored systemic factors. Little consideration for intersectionality, the impact of colonization, or Indigenous worldviews was evident. Targeted prevention strategies were found but were disjointed and culturally inappropriate. Taken together, these findings suggest minimal government commitment and absence of cultural understanding regarding DV in Indigenous communities.

Domestic Violence Interventions in Social and Health Care Settings: Challenges of Temporary Projects and Short-Term Solutions.

Social welfare service and health care providers are in a key position to implement successful domestic violence (DV) interventions. However, it is known that DV intervention and prevention work is often lacking in coordination and continuity. In addition, the limited resources, hectic work pace, and changing practices negatively affect the development of successful ways to prevent and intervene in DV. This qualitative study involving 11 focus groups, composed of social welfare and health care professionals (n = 51) in a midsized Finnish hospital, examined the challenges and possibilities within DV interventions and the adoption of good practices produced by a DV intervention development project funded by the European Union (EU). The results show that short-term development projects, amid the pressure of limited time and resources, encounter serious challenges when applied to wicked and ignored problems, such as DV. Developing successful violence intervention practices requires a broad understanding of the challenges that rapid development projects present to professionals and social welfare service and health care practices at the organizational level. Hence, the implementation of good practices requires continuity in managerial and organizational support, distribution of information, documentation of DV, awareness raising, education, training, and agreement on basic tasks and responsibilities. Otherwise, the failure to continue development work derails the results of such work, and short project durations lead to unnecessary work and the need to reinvent temporary work practices time and again. Short-term interventions provide inefficient solutions to the problem of DV, and a built-in organizational structure can prevent the misuse of organizational and human resources.

Assessing the Policy Implementation of the Bangladeshi Domestic Violence Act: Any Lessons for Protecting South African Women in their Homes?

ABSTRACT Violence against women in the home is a serious global social, health and human rights problem which transcends every level of society. Many countries have enacted and implemented specific legal policy interventions, often referred to as the “Domestic Violence Act”, in order protect women from violence at home. Although the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010 was an important landmark in policy-making in Bangladesh, legal recourse by survivors of violence in the home using this Act appears to be exceedingly low in some districts. Using a qualitative case-study approach, this article, part of a broader investigation on violence in the home, critically assesses the implementation of the Act in the Bangladeshi administrative district of Mymensingh. Since enactment of the law until the study period in 2014, only two cases were lodged under this Act in this district. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with the concerned implementers and the survivors of domestic violence. Furthermore, relevant documentary evidence was also consulted. This assessment reveals that policy implementation of the Act suffered from various drawbacks, in particular lack of coordination, non-compliance, implementation delays, lack of commitment and the capabilities of the implementers. We then reflect on lessons from this assessment for South Africa, pointing out some possibilities for overcoming the problems associated with implementation of laws against violence against women in the home.