5222.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 2:30 PM

Abstract #8728

Transforming paper rights into living rights - Domestic violence as a public health priority in South Africa

Tanya Jacobs, Network for Violence Against Women (South Africa), Independent NGO worker funded by the Health Systems Trust, c/o 16 Belgrave Road, East London, 5200, South Africa, 043-7220569, tanyaj@iafrica.com

Democratic changes in South Africa has only recently recognised women’s health and human rights as a priority, with the implementation of the new Domestic Violence Act (1998). The disparity between 'paper rights' and realties of women’s daily experiences of domestic violence and its health consequences, represents a significant gender -health equity challenge.

The purpose of this paper is to ‘break the silence’ and place domestic violence more firmly on the South African agenda. It provides guidelines and recommendations for the health and partner sectors (i.e. justice) to develop comprehensive interventions.

This paper will present findings from one of the first studies conducted in South Africa, on the extent and impact of domestic violence as a public health issue.

Findings, exploring a range of themes, will be presented from a cross-sectional survey of women attending a Community Health Centre, examining: Prevalence and nature of abuse; Health and social impact / consequences of abuse; Barriers to identification and disclosure of abuse and interaction with services; Recommendations for improved interventions; Methodological / ethical considerations; Advocacy / policy implications.

The magnitude and impact of domestic violence identifies it as a public health priority. The study poses questions regarding the equitable and effective distribution of resources to address this pandemic, in a developing country context. While the voices of abused women cry out for help, the public health sector, as a key inter-sectoral partner, urgently needs to mobilise support to answering the distress calls, by implementing strategies to achieving gender equity in South Africa.

Learning Objectives: a) understanding the prevalence and nature of abuse in South Africa; b) Assess the health and social impact / consequences of the abuse; c) provide an understanding of the barriers to the identification and disclosure of abuse and interaction with services; d) present and review recommendations for improved health sector interventions

Keywords: Domestic Violence, Human Rights

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA