Overview
The Bible Society of the South Pacific is taking a holistic approach to advocating and empowering women who are victims of domestic violence in Vanuatu through this trauma-healing project.
Approximately 42% of women in Vanuatu have experienced some form of violence. Domestic violence and child abuse are embedded in gender and power relations, underpinned by the low status of women and children in Vanuatu.
What happens within the family is seen as a ‘private family matter’. This means that community members will not intervene to protect a woman from an abusive husband. Community Chiefs counsel women to preserve the sanctity of the family unit, to maintain family and village harmony. Most churches don’t proactively denounce violence against women.
It is often very difficult for women to leave a violent relationship. Married women cannot accumulate personal wealth and men have stronger rights than women to their shared children.
Statistics:
- 145,000 women call Vanuatu home
- 42% of women in Vanuatu have experienced some form of gender-based violence
- 60,000 people could be impacted by this project
If the appeal is oversubscribed or the project changes due to unforeseen reasons, we will reallocate remaining funds to similar projects.
