Using informal networks and other duty bearers to protect survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Uganda

Using informal networks and other duty bearers to protect survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Uganda

The repeated and recurring violence against women caused by intimate partners necessitates action to ensure their safety and protection. However, insufficient support systems in the informal networks outside the formal criminal justice system of police, courts, and prisons, like family, friends, neighbourhoods, and social groups, preclude a more comprehensive participatory protection system for survivors. Indeed, formal duty bearers’ inactiveness within the informal networks hamper an integrative policy response to alleviate the persistent suffering of survivors. This brief illustrates the importance of duty bearers within the informal networks outside the criminal justice system in providing survivors with a secure space. It identifies families, relatives and communities as critical duty bearers to protect survivors from intimate partner recidivist acts within the informal networks. A secure space for women survivors can be guaranteed by revitalizing the role of duty bearers in informal networks where violence against women mostly occurs.

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• Published Sep 30, 2023