"Now is the time to make the prevention of abuse a priority area" |25 November 2014

“Domestic violence should not happen to anybody - ever!  But it does happen, and when we become aware, we should help.  Maybe you have lived with abuse or maybe you work or live with someone who has suffered abuse.  The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women spotlights the abuse that many women face on a daily basis and encourages action by community, local and national leaders to prevent further abuse. Today we should reflect on the progress made towards ending this violence and work together to improve the condition of women worldwide. Ending the scourge of domestic violence is a challenge that all nations face, requiring cooperation across all levels of society -- government, the private sector, and civil society.  This is a human rights issue.  This is an equal rights issue:  all persons, including women, are entitled to equal protection under the law.

“We must better understand the problem in order to take effective action to eliminate the scourge of domestic violence.  So let us clear away some common myths:

“Domestic violence is not a problem in my community. No, it occurs around the world in every community.  Hundreds of incidents of domestic violence were reported to the police, the Family Tribunal and NGOs this year and most of these cases were against women and children. What is most worrying is that many more cases go unreported.  22% of European women have suffered physical or sexual abuse from their partners, according to the European Parliament, and 43% have suffered psychological abuse.  30% of all female murder victims in the United States were killed by their husbands or boyfriends, according to Federal Bureau of Investigation statistics.  Women are the victims in 87% of partner violence cases in Australia.

“Domestic violence only happens to poor women.  No, it happens in all kinds of families and relationships.  Persons of any class, culture, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age and sex can be victims or perpetrators of domestic violence.

“Alcohol, drug abuse, stress and mental illness cause domestic violence. Wrong, they may accompany violence and may be used as an excuse by the abusers, but these are not the causes. Generally, domestic violence happens when an abuser has learned to abuse and chooses to abuse. Children who grow up in a home where domestic violence occurs live in fear and are more likely to become both perpetrators and victims of domestic violence.

“Some people deserve to be hit.  No one deserves to be abused.  Physical violence, even among family members, is wrong and against the law.  Protective laws exist here in Seychelles and the criminal justice system must act, handling cases professionally, sensitively, and seriously.

“If it were that bad, she would just leave.  Wrong, there are many reasons why women do not leave, such as for financial or childcare reasons.  Not leaving does not mean that the situation is OK or that women want to be abused.  The most dangerous time for an abuse victim frequently is when she tries to leave.

“Domestic violence is a personal problem between a husband and a wife.  Too many Seychellois consider violence within the family to be a private matter, and too often law enforcement authorities do not consider this violence as a crime. Victims have been turned away or, worse, subjected to threats and abuse from some police officers.  

“The curtain of privacy that traditionally governs family matters here in Seychelles should never constitute an excuse for turning a blind eye.  The fears of being stigmatised or shamed are very real concerns for victims, especially in a society that is so closely knit.  All governments are responsible for protecting their citizens from abuse, and if they fail to prevent, investigate, and punish such acts of violence with the full weight of the law, then they share in the responsibility for the abuses. Only when the government takes action, will people be convinced that domestic abuse will no longer be tolerated in Seychelles. Seychellois victims of domestic violence will come forward when they are confident that the authorities and institutions in place will not only protect them, but also give them the justice they deserve. In partnership with local government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and the media, we need to make it easier for victims to report abuse and make perpetrators of violence accountable for their crimes. We must ensure that victims of violence feel safe in seeking assistance and can have access to sufficient shelters.   

“Awareness of the problem in Seychelles is growing.  Domestic violence is no longer the hidden crime.  The press is paying attention.  Seychellois - men and women, girls and boys - are calling for an end to violence.  Laws to protect people against domestic violence are being considered. The police are taking action.  But much remains to be done.  In particular, Seychelles lacks shelters to protect families from abuse and the qualified resource people to assist those subject to abuse.

“Now is the time for Seychellois to step forward as leaders and implement programmes that will put Seychelles at the forefront of protecting women and families. Now is the time to make the prevention of abuse a priority area.”

Shari Villarosa
US ambassador