ZUHÛR EL-MEŞRİQÎ

Tunisia- The increasing violence against women has already reached dangerous level in Tunisia. We spoke to sociologists and women's rights activists about how violence against women can be prevented.

Rehma Bin Sileman, a researcher and sociologist, stated that women are subjected to violence in the public and private places despite the law on violence against women approved by the Tunisian parliament. “Although there are preventive laws, violence has not decreased because these laws are insufficient. Women see the violence inflicted against them by their husbands, fathers and brothers as normal. They don’t see violence against them as a crime,” she told us.

Women hide what they face

Indication that most of women, who are subjected to violence, hide what they face, Rehma Bin Sileman emphasized that violence against women should not be ignored. Drawing attention to the patriarchal mentality of their society, Rehme Bin Sileman stated that the men inflict violence against women and rape them by using their clothes as an excuse.

“The patriarchal mentality causes violence against women to increase”

Women’s rights activist Semra Maduri pointed out that domestic violence has been increasing in Tunisia. “Women die due to domestic, verbal, sexual and economic violence. One of the most obvious reasons for the increasing of violence against women is the low level of education. The spread of ignorance in society is one of these reasons. The patriarchal mentality causes violence against women to increase. Awareness-raising campaigns should be launched to prevent violence and press outlets should do their part to end violence,” she said.

“Urgent measures should be taken”

Aociologist Sabrin Al-Mishri stated that men inflict violence against women to control them. “Some thinks this is a way for men to express themselves. Women being subjected to violence should raise their voices. If they remain silent against violence, they will face violence again. Urgent measures should be taken and awareness-raising campaigns should be launched to prevent violence.”