Gender-based violence (GBV) including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as stalking and harassment, is considered a serious problem in Tunisia according to a new Afrobarometer report. The problem is so pervasive that about 48% of women experience it at some point in their lives.
The government and society in Tunisia view gender-based violence as the most urgent issue pertaining to women’s rights that has to be addressed. GBV is viewed as at least “quite prevalent” in communities by more than half of the populace. The majority of respondents believe that police will treat incidents of GBV seriously and believe that males are never justified in using physical force against their spouses.
However, the majority also thinks that GBV should be addressed privately and inside the family. And nearly 50% of Tunisians believe that women who disclose GBV to the authorities will probably experience backlash, harassment, or public shame.
Violence against women in Tunisia is still prevalent. GBV only grew after the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020. According to the Ministry of Women, the number of cases of gender-based violence in 2020 alone increased seven times over the previous years.
In Le Kef, in northwest Tunisia, President of the Women and Citizens (Femmes et Citoyennes) Association Karima Brini informed Amnesty International that a victim had called her in distress on the evening of May 7, two days before she was killed. She is seeking assistance in filing a complaint against her abusive husband.
There seems to be good news however as Najla Bouden Romdhane became the first female prime minister in Tunisia in September 2021.
You can read the full report here.
