According to the Argentine National Supreme Court of Justice for Domestic Violence, there were over 650 cases of domestic violence reported by women in 2010, an increase of 75 per cent over the previous year.
While some people are concerned about the increase, others believe that the higher numbers are a result of more widespread reporting of domestic violence—that increased trust in the legal system and a realisation among women that they can do something about the problem have led to more women taking action.
Amnesty International believes that the prevalence of the crime has a lot to do with cultural stereotypes and traditional gender roles. Based on this assessment, the city of Tigre has decided to do something about it. The city has started a “Programme for the Prevention of Gender Violence” for teens. Adolescents are targeted because relationships start in the teenage years. The programme also extends to young children to ensure that those who have suffered abuse do not become abusers later in life.
The programme is based on changing attitudes, and focuses on workshops and ensuring therea are positive gender portrayals in textbooks and classrooms.
The full story is available from SOS Children’s Villages.