Domestic violence going underreported prevention work needs accurate numbers

HÀ NỘI — The reported number of domestic violence cases in Việt Nam has not reflected reality, with huge differences in the numbers of cases reported by relevant sectors, a conference in Hà Nội heard on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism which leads in implementing the Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control, domestic violence in Việt Nam has become serious in the past 10 years since the law took effect.

“Countries around the world, including developed ones, have to fight domestic violence. In Việt Nam, domestic violence has left trauma, affected the economy and labour productivity. The estimated annual losses account for 1.78 per cent of Gross Domestic Product,” Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Ngọc Thiện said.

Domestic violence studies show 58 per cent of married women experience at least one of types of domestic violence, while the issue is the cause of 80 per cent of divorces each year.

Between July 2007 [when the law came into force] andl July 2018, the Supreme People’s Court handled more than 1.38 million divorces, among which one million involved domestic violence.

According to conference participants, the current Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control has not clarified definitions and responsibilities of officials, while punishment for the violence has not been imposed strictly enough.

Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam said Việt Nam has made progress in passing legalisation against domestic violence.

“Fighting against domestic violence is of significance and a necessary action to protect human rights, especially to protect children’s rights and ensure gender equality,” he said.

“Besides summarising achievements, we need to look at the weaknesses to make amendments to the law,” he said.

He asked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to collect feedback for the law adjustment.

Localities and sectors need to report accurate statistics on domestic violence. Only when the facts are truly reflected can sectors come up with effective solutions, he said.

Campaigns aimed at raising public awareness need to be stepped up so the community understands domestic violence is no longer a private family matter but an illegal action, he said, adding that domestic violence prevention and control is not only a task for local authorities but needs the involvement of organisations, enterprises and the community. — VNS