LAW N°2017-58: MAIN ADVANCES IN COMBATING GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN TUNISIA

Abstract

Violence against women is a widespread practice in all
societies regardless of the degree of civilization and cultural level. Its adverse effects on the mental and physical health
of women call for the need for effective measures to combat
this form of violence.
Objectives: To assess the extent of the phenomenon of
violence against women in the region of Sfax (Tunisia)
and discuss the legal evolution in Tunisia in the fight
against this form of violence.
Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive
study conducted in Forensic Medicine Department CHU
Habib Bourguiba Sfax Tunisia between march 2018 and
august 2018. It covered all cases of female victims of volunteer violence consulting on judicial requisition.
Results: Violence against women occurs at all ages. It affects
all social groups with a predominance of young jobless
women. The victims are mostly of urban origin. The most
observed type of violence is physical (94.75% of cases)
followed by sexual violence (5.24% of cases). In terms of
physical violence, the aggressor is the spouse in 46.2% of
the cases. Examination of the victim most often shows
multiple superficial injuries. Serious injuries such as penetrating wounds and fractures are much less common. The
median duration of the total functional deficit is 6 days.
The study of the new law on the elimination of violence
against women has shown the multiplicity of legal, social
and judicial measures undertaken to protect women against
the various forms of attack on their integrity. However, a
change in mentalities and the establishment of institutions
and procedures are essential prerequisites for achieving the
objectives of this legislation.
Conclusion: The fight against violence against women
requires collaboration between the various social, legal and
medical stakeholders.