AS WE CELEBRATE
Valentine’s Day, we need to remember that Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is
the most common form of violence in relationships.
In a Study conducted by TAMWA
(Sheikh and Gabba), respondents in five districts of Tanzania mainland cited
physical assault, emotional abuse, being deprived of basic necessities, being
denied the freedom to work and lack of respect as the main forms of Intimate
Partner Violence.
Five (5) in ten (10)
women have experienced some form of Intimate Partner violence in Tanzania.
Tanzania does not have specific
legislation to address Intimate Partner Violence. The Law of Marriage Act has a
clause in Section 66, which has ‘touched’ on domestic violence without
providing remedial action and punishments in Tanzania’s Penal Code. The crime
of IPV, physical assault is grouped together with ‘grievous bodily harm’ as in
two men having a bar room brawl.
Red roses, candlelight, and
“I love you” cards for Valentine Day should include the oath with the
words “I will not abuse my loved one”.
The oath should also
say “I will protect my loved one from HIV infection”.
And all of us,
together, should say “Stop Intimate Partner Violence”.
The purple ribbon is
a symbol to stop Intimate Partner Violence. The purple ribbon should be tied
around the bouquet of red roses and the candles when lovers celebrate
Valentine’s Day.
The red ribbon, the
symbol to create awareness on HIV and AIDS should dominate the Valentine’s
cards that lovers send out to their loved ones.
Love is protecting
our loved ones from pain and disease. Let us start on this Valentine’s Day.
