Violence against women affects not just fringe groups like the poor or the uneducated, but society as a whole.

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Wednesday the media reflect on the deep-rooted causes of such aggression.

Público – Spain

Violence against women is deeply rooted in our culture, writes peace researcher Carmen Magallón in left-wing daily Público. She uses the theory of sociologist Johan Galtung to explain the reasons for this violence:

“Galtung’s model facilitates understanding of the causal links between the three types of violence. These links flow in all directions, but the main one is that which flows between cultural violence and direct violence passing through structural violence. The symbolic devaluation of women (cultural violence) led in the course of history to a status of subjugation and marginalisation (structural violence) and this marginalisation and lack of power promoted their conversion into an object of physical abuse (direct violence). The slow pace of progress [in the fight against violence against women] can be explained by the profound character of the main, symbolic-cultural root of this violence.” (26/11/2009)

Večer – Slovenia

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the daily Večer urges Slovenian judges to apply the laws in force in the country.

“It’s encouraging that fewer and fewer women are afraid or ashamed to report cases of violence.

… But that makes it all the more difficult to understand why those very people who should take action against violence are looking away. I am referring to the social workers and judges who all too often do less to prevent domestic violence than the police. It’s not enough that a year and a half ago Slovenia was one of the first countries in Europe to pass a law against domestic violence, as we’re so fond of boasting.

It’s high time the law was applied. Other ministers should follow the example of Interior Minister Katarina Kresal and explain to their employees that there is zero tolerance for violence here, how victims are to be helped and what action is to be taken against perpetrators.” (26/11/2009)

Le Monde – France

The daily Le Monde welcomes a new French campaign for combatting violence against women:
“The government has decided to give a new impulse to the combat for the safety of women which started in 1972.

… [Prime Minister] François Fillon has declared the fight against domestic violence the ‘national cause’ for 2010, which will allow associations to deliver public messages free of charge. A praisworthy decision, accompanied by governmental measures.

… In Spain a ‘constitutional ammendment against gender-based violence’ was passed in 2004 following an iniative by the Socialist government under José Luis Zapatero, focussing on all aspects of such acts of violence.

… Above and beyond the legal arsenal however, the important thing is to develop prevention, as well as education and solidarity. Only then will we have done with this indignity.” (25/11/2009)