14 November 2009
Kampala — WOMEN rights activists from over five Civil Society Organisations have praised the Government for enacting the long awaited Domestic Violence Bill. Parliament on Wednesday passed the bill which calls for protection of victims of domestic violence and seeks to punish the crime perpetrators.
Speaking during a press conference at the Centre for Domestic Violence Prevention offices in Kampala, they said that many perpetrators of the crime have been walking away scot-free.
"We would like to work with the gender, labour and social development ministry, to educate the public on how it applies," Tina Musuya, the executive director CEDOVIP said.
She said that passing the law is a step towards addressing the problem and implementing it is a very important one and involves a lot, adding that they are committed to this as well.
Activist from Raining Voices, Uganda Women Network, Kamwokya Christian Care Community, police, Local Council and children representatives said that the law will help them handle cases with a proper reference.
According to the 2006 Uganda Law Reform Commission report 66% of the respondents reported experiences of domestic violence.
Police reports also indicate that 12% of men reported having suffered Domestic Violence.
The National coordinator of Uganda Women's Network, Rita Ociro said that all citizens need to be vigilant and report cases of Domestic Violence adding that 52% of domestic violence cases are among children and women.
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