WUNRN
IANSA Women's Network - The International Action
Network on Small Arms (IANSA) is the global movement against gun violence.
DISARM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES WORLDWIDE
The
Disarm Domestic Violence Campaign is being launched during the Global Week of
Action Against Gun Violence, 15-21 June 2009. So far there have been over 27
launch events around the world. Be sure to come back to read updates.
Here
are details of some of the launch events to date:
Argentina
Argentine
parliamentarian Deputy Luciano Fabris raised awareness about the Week of Action
and the Disarm Domestic Violence campaign by introducing a bill, and promoting
it on the congress website.
On
16 June, Maria Pia Devoto, Maria Paula Cellone, Althea Middleton-Detzner of Asociación
para Politicas Públicas met with the Fundación para Estudio e Investigación
de la Mujer (FEIM) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the DDV
campaign. Andrea Mariño, Sociologist and Project Coordinator at FEIM, and other
with Advisers from the Women’s Council at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
joined the discussion. As a result, the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs now fully supports the campaign and has agreed to
promote future activities. The Foreign Affairs Adviser invited APP to present
the campaign to the Gender Sub-commission within the NGO Commission of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On
19 June APP organised outreach activities at Subte Station Callao in
Canada
The
Disarming Domestic Violence campaign was launched at the opening of the 1st
Annual Canadian Conference on the Prevention of Domestic Homicides. On 15 June,
Maribel Gonzales of Project Ploughshares gave a presentation which made
the links between small arms proliferation and domestic violence.
Maribel Gonzales
Her
address also explained how small arms proliferation could be controlled
(internationally and in Canada), and the need to attack the forces which drive
demand for small arms, while promoting international advocacy on the issue.
The
conference took place at London Convention Centre in
On
16 June the international Disarm Domestic Violence campaign was backed by Canada’s
Coalition for Gun Control. Coalition president Wendy Cukier said: “Although
gun violence takes different forms in different countries, there is a common
theme: where there is easy access to firearms, there are higher rates of women
and children killed with guns. The Global Week of Action is a good opportunity
to draw attention to the fact that in spite of the differences, whether in
Silent Witness Exhibition,
Democratic Republic
of Congo
Over
forty women's organisations participated in the Disarm Domestic Violence launch
in Kinshasa, organised by DRC members of the IANSA Women's Network, and
the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) on 20
June. Presentations were also made about the ATT and the work of the National
Commission on Small Arms. UNDP and Congolese Women From the Diaspora also
attended the event.
Participants of the IANSA Women's
Network meeting, DRC
El
Salvador
CEMUJER launched the
Disarm Domestic Violence campaign at the Monument to the Constitution in
Campaign launch in San Salvador
A
second event was held on 15 June at the
During
the week CEMUJER has actively supported the DDV campaign, writing letters to
Parliament, the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs, the police, and the
public prosecutor, urging them to make a public statement rejecting violence
against women and children, and to work towards strengthening the laws that
protect them. The Parliamentary Commissions on Public Security and Narcotics
and the Commission on Family, Women and Childhood are now discussing CEMUJER’s
proposals.
India
At
a meeting of the Manipuri Women Gun Survivors’ Network Mrs M Sobita,
Secretary of Women’s Action for Development, highlighted the difficulties faced
by women. “Domestic violence for a woman starts from womb to tomb, with the
practice of abortion if it is a girl child,” she said. Mrs Sobita praised the
Manipur group’s work in fighting domestic violence, noting that a large
proportion of Manipuri women face violence every day. The meeting included moving
testimonies from gun survivors, concluding with a resolution to stay vigilant
and continue working towards curbing domestic violence in Manipur.
Manipuri Women Gun Survivors
Network
Liberia
On
18 June Kerian Pelenah, Program Manager and ATT Coordinator of Liberians
United to Expose Hidden Weapons (LUEHW) explained the importance of the
Week of Action to Patience Guanu on the UN Radio programme ‘Coffee Break’.
Kerian drew attention to the launch of the Disarm Domestic Violence Campaign.
Macedonia
On
15 June, Journalists for Children and Women Rights and Protection of
Environment (JCWE) in Macedonia held a press conference at the Deputies
Club in Skopje. JCWE launched their report on armed violence and women based on
data collected as part of the Disarming Domestic Violence campaign. The key
findings were that 95 survivors of domestic violence were surveyed and 95% (91
women) confirmed the perpetrator had access to a gun; 91% (87 women) confirmed
that the gun was held illegally; and 73% (70 women) confirmed that their
children were aware that a gun was in the home. More than 20 journalists
attended.
left: Natasa Dokovska of JCWE
On
16 June they launched a national SOS helpline for victims of armed violence.
The helpline number is 141700. The launch was attended by 15 NGOs working on
women's rights.
On
17 June they held a workshop with women survivors of armed violence called 'How
to recognise violence and an abuser'. Participants included over 25 women from
3 shelters in Skopje.
Mexico
In
San Cristobal de las Casas, Guadalajara and Mexico City campaigners have
contacted radio stations and newspapers to tell them about the Disarm Domestic
Violence campaign. On June 17, in San Cristobal de las Casas the group COLEM
spoke about the campaign in their radio programme Aquelarre on Frecuencia Libre
99.1 COLEM also presented the campaign to local women’s groups, some of whom
have agreed to collect data on domestic violence in the Chiapas region. Martha
Figueroa from COLEM said: "This campaign will help us put pressure on the
government so men who belong to the police, the army and private security
companies will not be able to carry guns when they are not on duty. Then they
will not be able to bring their guns home."
Namibia
On
4 June Felix Muchila, host of “The Ninth Hour” on the national Namibian
Broadcasting Company (NBC), interviewed Pauline Dempers and Johanna Wilkie of NANGOF
Trust. The radio interview centered on the problem of gun violence in
Namibia and internationally. Pauline talked about the link between guns and
violence against women, and announced the launch of the Disarming Domestic
Violence campaign on 11 June. Panelists at the launch event included: Members
of Parliament Hon. E Dienda and Hon. M Venaani, Ms R Namises, Director of
Women’s Solidarity, and Mr. H Theunis, Director of De-mining Project. Pauline
was also interviewed about the campaign, alongside a Windhoek police officer,
on the Damara/Nama radio station, which broadcasts in the Nama language.
Pauline also published a letter in the 19 June edition of
the Namibian newspaper.
Pauline Dempers, Director of
Namibian NGO Breaking the Wall of Silence
Nepal
Sixty-one
cyclists rode through the streets of Kathmandu to deliver a memo to all
political parties on 19 June in support of the Disarming Domestic Violence
(DDV) campaign. The memo urged all parties to take action to prevent domestic
violence committed with guns. The campaign launch was covered by Nepal TV, and
in leading national daily and weekly newspapers. The event was organised by SAP-Nepal,
SASA Net Nepal and Yatra, a youth organisation. Daniel Prins from the UN
Office for Disarmament Affairs participated.
Disarm DV bicycle rally, Nepal
Nigeria
Women
activists from the CAFSO-Women’s Rights Action Group visited the
parliament of Oyo State in south-western Nigeria to lobby its members and ask
them to support tough legislation to reduce gun violence. The activists met
with representatives from the House Committee on Security and Strategy, the
House Committee on Women’s Affairs, Human Rights and Good Governance, and the
House Committee on Information and Orientation. The group was also successful
in meeting with a major national newspaper – The Nigerian Tribune – to discuss
the importance of the media’s role in highlighting and eradicating gun
violence.
An
Enugu based NGO, Women Information Network (WINET) has appealed to both
the Federal and State governments to support IANSA’s Disarm Domestic Violence
campaign, and take steps to keep women safe from gun violence. The statement,
issued by WINET project Coordinator, Ijeoma Ogbonna, highlighted the experience
of women who are threatened with violence in the home. Click here to download the press statement.
Mimidoo
Achakpa of Women's Right to Education Programme and the IANSA Women's
Network Nigeria met the Commissioner for Women's Affairs in Benue State on 16
June, to discuss how guns affect women in the state and the central region of
Nigeria.
Pakistan
On
15 June at a briefing in the Multan Press Club organised by the Awaz Centre
for Development Services, Awaz chief executive Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman
highlighted the launch of the Disarm Domestic Violence campaign. He pointed out
that huge numbers of illegal firearms were being used in violence against
women, with rifles being used to beat women, as well as threaten them with
shooting. He said that in 85% of domestic violence cases the police were
reluctant to intervene, as they considered it to be a private matter.
Superintendent Shaukat Abaas of the District Police Office suggested that
government should reduce the risk from firearms by launching weapon-destruction
programmes, establishing gun-free zones and toughening the rules on gun
ownership. Read the full report and survey findings here.
Campaign poster by
Awaz CDS
Blue
Veins,
based in the North West Frontier Province made a poster which linked to the
theme of the dangers of guns in the home and community. They also received
widespread media coverage throughout the week including Daily Surkhab, Daily
Subah, Daily Nawe Waqt, Daily Pakistan, Daily Jinnah, Daily Express, Daily
Khabrain, The Daily Awam un Nass, Daily sheyaq, Daily Wahdat, Daily Jihad, and
Daily Khabroona.
Week of Action poster 2009, Blue
Veins
Paraguay
Coordinadora
para Asentamientos Espontáneos started the Week of Action with media
outreach to print and broadcast journalists. The group has requested a meeting
with the Minister for Women to discuss the aims of the Disarming Domestic
Violence campaign.
Senegal
In
a public event organised by the Movement
Against Small Arms in West Africa (MALAO) and WAANSA-Senegal in
Dakar on 16 June, Honoré Georges Ndiaye, Executive Director of MALAO urged the
Senegalese government to amend the law to include spouses in the investigation
process when an application for a gun permit is made.
Serbia
Jasmina
Nikolic of the Victimology Society of Serbia was interviewed on
Belgrade-based television network TV Pink in the morning
news programme on 15 June. In her interview, Jasmina highlighted the
group’s current anti-violence campaign by stressing the correlation between the
possession of small arms and the rates of domestic violence abuse.
The
Victimology Society of Serbia launched the Disarm Domestic Violence campaign on
18 June at the Belgrade Media Centre. Speakers included: Dr Mirjana Dokmanovic,
an international lawyer, journalist, researcher and lecturer on human rights
and women’s rights, and President of the Women’s Centre for Democracy and Human
Rights in Serbia & Montenegro; Professor Dr Zelko Nikac, a police officer
and professor, and Professor Dr Vesna Nikolic Ristanovic, and Jasmina Nikolic
both from the Victimology Society of Serbia. More than 30 people attended from
organisations including CPD, the Centre for Children's Rights; UNDP; the Office
of the Municipal Public Prosecutors of Belgrade; SOS TELEFON hotline for
children and women; UDMIZEM TOGOMHA, Organization of War Prisoners; ACMEP, the
Faculty for Special Education and Rehabilitation; AZC, women's centre; FPN, Faculty
for Political Sciences; and the NUNS, the Trade Union of Journalists.
The
press conference attracted widescale media
interest from agencies and broadcasters including FONET, FOX TV,
RTRS (National TV from Sprska Republic, in Bosnia and Herzegovina), RADIO
BELGRADE 202, RTS national TV, RTV PINK, B-PRO-SOLUTIONS, NIN weekly newspaper,
BETA press agency, B92 and RADIO SLOBODNA EUROPA. Fox TV, Radio Belgrade
202, RTV and Radio Serbia reported the conference.
Sierra Leone
The
Sierra Leone Action Network on Small Arms (SLANSA) launched a media
campaign in Freetown on 15 June. SLANSA members are pressing for the government
to harmonise gun and domestic violence laws, and for spouses and partners to be
consulted before a gun license is granted - an essential measure to protect
women.
South Africa
Laura
Pollecut of the Ceasefire Campaign led meetings in Pietermaritzburg, in
the province of KwaZulu Natal, on 15 June. She discussed gun violence with the
Coordinator, staff and residents from The Haven, a women’s shelter. “In a
province known for its traditional approach to women,” Laura noted, “it was not
surprising that women related well to the issues I put on the table."
Speaking in isiZulu, at least three women recounted harrowing stories of their
experience of gun violence. One talked specifically about domestic violence.
The Shelter coordinator confirmed that gunshots are often heard in the area,
and has asked Ceasefire to arrange further events. Laura also explained how
South African law can be used to ensure that domestic violence abusers are
denied access to guns. But more resources are needed to make sure that the law
is implemented properly, she added.
The
Ceasefire Campaign also screened the ARTE/Amnesty documentary Arms, Dealing and
National Interests and Michael Moore’s film Bowling For Columbine in
Johannesburg. This was followed by a discussion on guns and domestic violence,
and materials for the Disarm Domestic Violence campaign were distributed.
Sri Lanka
The
South Asia Small Arms Network in Sri Lanka launched a mini survey on guns and domestic violence on
16 June as part of the Disarming Domestic Violence Campaign. Questionnaires
have been translated into local languages and are being used in three
districts: Pollonnaruwa and Anuradhapura from the North Central Province - both
on the border with the conflict zone - and Hanguranketha District in a peaceful
zone. The results of the survey will be used in media outreach during the week
of action. The information from these districts will enable SASANet to identify
areas for further research. They hope to extend the research to other districts
as part of the international campaign.
Turks & Caicos Islands
On
15 June the Gender Affairs Unit of the Turks and Caicos Islands
partnered with Women Institute for Alternative Development (WINAD) and
held a public rally and march to launch the Disarm Domestic Violence Campaign.
The theme was 'Stop the Violence… Not another one' with scores of women, men
and children participating in the march through the streets of Providenciales.
At
the rally the Hon Karen Delancy Minister of Home Affairs and Human Services,
responsible for Gender Affairs, and the Hon Floyd Seymour, Leader of the
Parliamentary Opposition addressed the crowd. Other speakers included
representatives from government ministries such as Education, Health and Social
Development. Inter-governmental organisations and civil society actors
including faith based organisations were also well represented and supportive.
The Campaign will continue for the month of June with a programme of events
including women's discussions on crime and violence and self defence classes
for women.
UK
The
Gun Control Network
has published a list of recent incidents in the UK
in which guns are known to have been used in acts of domestic violence:
On
17 June Women in Black (London) and the IANSA Women’s Network held a
vigil near Trafalgar Square to highlight the levels of gun deaths amongst women
in domestic violence incidents in the UK. Although British law now bans the
sale of handguns, legally-held weapons (rifles, shotguns, airguns) are used in
murders of women in the home. In England and Wales, one in three women killed
by their husbands is shot with a legally-owned weapon - 64% of these murders
involve shotguns. (Criminal Statistics England and Wales, 2000) Since 2004,
nearly three quarters of the 39 female gun homicide victims in Britain were
killed in domestic incidents.
Women in Black London
Members
of the public signed letters to Prime Minister Gordon Brown urging the British
government to: systematically and centrally collect information on gun deaths
in domestic violence incidents; recognise that family killings are the only
category of homicide in which women outnumber men as victims, and pledge to
protect women in their homes; and harmonise national arms control legislation,
with laws on domestic violence.
United Nations
UN
participation in the Global Week of Action began with a statement from the High
Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Amb Sergio Duarte. He hoped the
Week of Action would energise governments and civil society for the fight against
misuse and proliferation of small arms. UNIDIR (the United Nations Institute
for Disarmament Research) issued a statement stressing on the indiscriminate
and unnecessary suffering caused by small arms and praising the efforts of WoA
participants in working towards the eradication of domestic violence. Read the
statements on the Week of Action page www.iansa.org/woa
USA
The
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV) has been urging
newspapers to cover the launch of the Disarming Domestic Violence campaign. The
Seattle Times ran an opinion piece by the group’s Executive Director, Nan
Stoops, Time to disarm violent domestic abusers on 15
June, 2009
WSCADV
also circulated information to its 66 member programmes on 16 June to explain
the Disarming Domestic Violence campaign using research and policy
recommendations from the Washington State Domestic Violence Fatality Review.
These stress the importance of asking domestic violence survivors about the
presence of firearms in their homes, and discussing the risks; and asking local
law enforcement agencies whether they have a protocol for removing weapons from
convicted domestic violence offenders. If not, WSCADV is asking members to
consult one of the law enforcement agencies in Washington State that has
implemented such a policy.
During
the week Gladys Momanyi, a student at Nova Southeastern University in
Florida, has initiated an outreach programme for the Disarm Domestic
Violence campaign in prominent locations including at the main library and
university centre to explain the issue to students, staff and visitors.
Outreach
activities at Nova University, Florida
The
highlight of the week was a Disarm Domestic Violence conference on 18 June held
in the Alvin Sherman Library - Art Gallery, Nova Southeastern University, Ft.
Lauderdale, Florida organised by the Nova Southeastern University Department of
Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Over 50 people attended including representatives
from the American Association of University Women, NSU Chapter; Public
Education Officers; legal officers; law enforcement officers; students (both
university and high school), professors; and members of the local community.
Speakers
included: Dr Laurel E. Thompson, Director of the School Social Work and
Attendance Department of the School Board of Broward County, Ft. Lauderdale,
Florida; Lt. Paul Brugman, Police officer, Division Commander in Special
Operations, Town of Davie, Florida; Catherine L. Roselli, Law Officer; Sergeant
Adam Hofstein, Abuse & Neglect Unit Supervisor, Special Victims &
Family Crimes Section, Regional Investigations Division, Broward Sheriff's
Office, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Julia Lewis, doctoral candidate in international
business at Nova Southeastern University; Aisha McDonald, AmeriCorps member at
Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Dr. Marcia
Sweedler, Chair, Department of Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Nova
Southeastern University; Dr. Judith McKay Professor, Department of Conflict
Analysis and Resolution; Dr. Elena Bastidas, Professor, Department of Conflict
Analysis and Resolution; and Dr Warren, Professor, Department of Psychology,
and Dr Michelle Rice, Associate Chair, Department of Conflict Analysis and
Resolution.
Lt. Paul Brugman, Division
Commander in Special Operations,
The
event gained wide support from the Faculty, students and general public with a
lively discussion session after the conference. Outreach activities will
continue for the rest of the week including the collection of signatures for a
petition urging
The
Advocacy Project (AP),
a partner of IANSA, is supporting the Disarm Domestic Violence campaign by
sending Peace
Fellows to eight IANSA members in
Vatican
On
17 June the Vatican News Agency featured
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