Health Policy
Volume 100, Issue 2-3, 2011, Pages 125-133

Worldwide violence against women legislation: An equity approach (Article)

Ortiz-Barreda G.* , Vives-Cases C. , Gil-González D.
  • a Public Health Research Group, University of Alicante, Spain, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Alicante, Spain
  • b Public Health Research Group, University of Alicante, Spain, CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Alicante, Spain
  • c Public Health Research Group, University of Alicante, Spain, CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain, Observatory of Public Policies and Health (OPPS), Spain, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Alicante, Spain

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the recommendations and interventions addressing violence against women (VAW) in vulnerable women (disabled, pregnant, ethnic minority, immigrant and older women) in key documents and laws enacted in different countries. Methods: Content analysis of key documents for the development of VAW policies and laws: The United Nations Handbook for Legislation on Violence Against Women Advance Version, the Model of Laws and Policies on Intrafamiliar Violence Against Women of the Pan-American Health Organization and Recommendation No. R(2002)5 of the Committee of Ministers of the European Council. The content of the 62 VAW laws was also analyzed. Results: Key documents demonstrate the importance of eliminating any obstacle facing disabled, pregnant, immigrant, ethnic minority or older women when accessing VAW services. Only 12 laws mention one or more of these groups of vulnerable women. Pregnant, disabled and ethnic minority women are the groups most often mentioned. In these laws, references to punitive measures, action plans and specific strategies to guarantee access to VAW resources are the most common interventions. Conclusion: Decisive interventions addressing the specific needs of disabled, pregnant, immigrant, ethnic minority and older women are needed in order to achieve a broader equity approach in VAW legislation. © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Author Keywords

Violence against women Policy recommendations Legislation equity

Index Keywords

immigrant public health service health care policy human disabled person violence ethnic group Aged international cooperation Humans female violence against women pregnancy Article health care organization maternal welfare pregnant woman Battered Women policy making

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79954678393&doi=10.1016%2fj.healthpol.2010.11.015&partnerID=40&md5=8276cad52848dbb40f2c217062c28394

DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2010.11.015
ISSN: 01688510
Cited by: 9
Original Language: English