Domestic violence and abuse

Domestic violence is a form of abuse, physical and verbal, that can take many forms such as kicking, battering, domineering, slapping, hitting with objects, threats of such acts, sexual abuse, stalking, financial restriction etc. It often evolves in closely related relationships like marriage, within families, friends, dating and cohabitation in order to maintain control over the victims. Though the typical picture of domestic violence shows off the woman as being the main victim in most cases, men and children can also be subject to these acts. Studies have shown that alcohol abuse, drug addiction or mental illnesses are the reasons behind domestic violence.

The effects of domestic violence can be very dangerous whether they are short or long term lived. While at first victims may just feel insecure and try to swallow their pride and overlook the behaviour of the offender, long term effects include malnutrition, loss of sleep, chronic depression, panic attacks, emotional numbing, self neglect and even suicide in worst case scenarios. In the family context, domestic violence between spouses can also lead to child neglect where his/her development can be seriously hindered. Statistics regarding domestic violence in Mauritius is difficult to obtain because not all cases are reported. And it is to be noted that this is not an issue only for the lower class families who in most cases will file police cases for protection, but it is very much present in high class families as well, who on the other hand will not file any case because of social ranks and the place of their spouses in society.

Responsible ministry and sub divisions

In order to reduce domestic violence against women and children, the government has set up the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare. One of the main branches of this ministry is the family welfare unit which is the responsible body for the application of mechanisms to reduce domestic violence and promote family welfare on the island. The hotline to reach the ministry in time of need is 119 or the head office can be contacted at 206-3802. Set up in 1995, the child development unit takes care of abused children in cooperation with the police force and other associations (drop in centres) and operates 24hr/day. The hotline can be reached at 113 or 206-3742 for the head office. The foster care system is another branch of the ministry that deals with abused children in their biological families, relocate them in foster families and ensures that they are treated right for their better development once placed there (can be reached on 206-3751).

Legislation

Though a number of campaigns, projects have been used to reduce and sensitize the public regarding domestic violence in Mauritius, it remains a real issue. To reflect the zest of the government to decrease this problem, a number of protocols like the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, CEDAW have been ratified while Amnesty Mauritius makes it a must to ensure that all human rights are respected when it comes to violence. There is also a number of laws and lawyers regarding domestic violence. For instance, any person who has been the victim of domestic violence and feels that he/she is not safe can make provision of a protection order where the aggrieved cannot reach the victim or must stay away from him/her. Similarly, an occupation order is a lawsuit for the victim to live safely in the house of the spouse or belonging to both of them while a tenancy order is where the victim has full legal rights over the house appliances and furniture found in the house.

What to do in case of domestic violence?

Many people tend to forget that they are free and cannot accept to be ill treated as per human rights. Once you pass it off as negligible (unless it does really seem so), domestic violence can become a very bad habit and dangerous one too. The best thing to do when you feel that your spouse is getting too stressed and can do violent things is to just walk away (if you are used to such atrocities, be prepared first). He/she can try to not let you go but make your intentions clear because you do not have to suffer for someone else’s incomprehensible behaviour. Once out, you can either file a police case or go to a shelter for assistance or even call the hotlines for help. The government provides services for women and children such as psychological follow up, activities, legal assistance, counselling in order for the victims to regain full control of their lives and to live as pleasantly as everyone else.