CéSAR CHELALA – Middle East Times – 2 March, 2008
VIOLENCE OFTEN PREVAILS -- Although physical violence and sexual violence are easier to see, many women consider psychological abuse and humiliation even more devastating than physical violence. The photo shows women at a refugee camp at Tawilah, north Darfur in 2007. (Sipa Photo via Newscom)
NEW YORK — Recent reports that Qatar will ratify the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) soon calls attention to the problem of domestic violence in the Arab world, which is presently underrecognized and underreported. Its persistence, and its effects, cast an ominous shadow on Arab women’s basic human rights.
That violence against women is considered normal behavior in many countries doesn’t diminish its seriousness or its negative impact on the physical and mental health of women worldwide. Its persistence throughout the world – despite other obvious social measures of progress – indicates the need to confront it with more effective policies.
Domestic violence – violence that occurs in the home or within the family – is the most common kind of gender violence, and affects women regardless of age, education or socioeconomic status. . .
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