Donors should redirect aid to set up domestic violence services

It is thought that domestic violence only affects certain types of people, but this case shows that all types and classes of people are involved, even those who should know better.

Your story in yesterday’s edition about the woman reportedly shot dead by a police constable left me very angry. The audacity shown by the policeman who had allegedly eloped with the woman’s daughter is cruel and crass. It shows the extent to which impunity by perpetrators of violence against women can reach.
It is thought that domestic violence only affects certain types of people, but this case shows that all types and classes of people are involved, even those who should know better.
MIFUMI is currently in consultation about establishing a Women’s Advice Centre in Namayingo because our research revealed that violence against women in this region is exceptionally high. Such a service will slowly demonstrate to the public that women too have rights and more importantly, it will give confidence to women to begin to resist violence.
It should also reduce impunity by state actors such as policemen since we will be expecting them to lead the fight in combating the crime of violence against women, not commit it!
I urge the donor community to channel their aid to domestic violence services so that each district in Uganda, particularly those far and rural ones, can fight violence against women.

Atuki Turner,
Executive Director- MIFUMI
atukiturner@yahoo.com