1. Combating Domestic Violence: from CEDAW perspective Heisoo SHIN Former CEDAW Expert heisoo@gmail.com UNIFEM Side Event, UN ESCAP, 17 Oct. 2009

2. “I Got Flowers Today…” b y Paulette Kelly b y Paulette Kelly I got flowers today. It wasn't my birthday or any other special day. We had our first argument last night, And he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me. that really hurt me. I know he is sorry and didn't mean the things he said. and didn't mean the things he said. Because he sent me flowers today.

3. I got flowers today. It wasn't our anniversary or any other special day. or any other special day. Last night, he threw me into a wall and started to choke me. and started to choke me. It seemed like a nightmare. I couldn't believe it was real. I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. I know he must be sorry. Because he sent me flowers today.

4. I got flowers today, And it wasn't Mother's Day or any other special day. day. Last night, he beat me up again. And it was much worse than all the other times. If I leave him, what will I do? If I leave him, what will I do? How will I take care of my kids? How will I take care of my kids? What about money? What about money? I'm afraid of him and scared to leave. But I know he must be sorry. Because he sent me flowers today.

5. I got flowers today. Today was a very special day. It was the day of my funeral. Last night, he finally killed me. He beat me to death. If only I had gathered enough courage I got flowers today. Today was a very special day. It was the day of my funeral. Last night, he finally killed me. He beat me to death. If only I had gathered enough courage and strength to leave him, I would not have gotten flowers...today. and strength to leave him, I would not have gotten flowers...today.

6. CEDAW as a Framework CEDAW—a legally-binding, international human rights treaty for women. CEDAW is based on the principle of equality and non-discrimination. Women and girls—rights-holders

7. State Obligation under CEDAW To eliminate all discriminatory laws and regulations, but also customs and practices. To eliminate discrimination against women public authorities and institutions, but also by any person, organization or enterprise. To eliminate prejudices and customary practices based on the idea of superiority or inferiority of either of the sexes or on stereotyped roles for men and women.

8. CEDAW Committee’s G.R. on Violence against Women General Recommendation No. 12 (1989) General Recommendation No. 12 (1989) General Recommendation No. 19 (1992) General Recommendation No. 19 (1992) “Gender-based violence is a form of discrimination that seriously inhibits women's ability to enjoy rights and freedoms on a basis of equality with men.” “Gender-based violence is a form of discrimination that seriously inhibits women's ability to enjoy rights and freedoms on a basis of equality with men.”

9. To Combat Domestic Violence… ► 3 Ps are needed: Prosecution/Punishment of the aggressor Protection of the victim Prevention of domestic violence

10. To Combat Domestic Violence… ► Good DV legislation is needed: Purpose: to protect women’s human rights and from violence (not for the stability of the family) Covering all relationships: legal marriage, common-law marriage, co-habitation, ex-spouses Contains 3Ps: punishment, protection and prevention.

11. To Combat Domestic Violence… ► Full implementation of the law is needed: Police training Awareness raising among the judiciary— prosecutors, judges, lawyers Awareness raising among doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, counselors, community/religious leaders…. Awareness raising among the general public

12. To Combat Domestic Violence… ► Close coordination is needed: Among various ministries Among administration, parliament and the judiciary Between government and NGOs Within each community, among hospitals, police station, counseling center, shelter, NGOs and the local government

13. To Combat Domestic Violence ► Constant monitoring of implementation of the laws and policies is needed: Revision and strengthening of the DV legislation Careful monitoring in times of crisis Attention on women belonging minority groups Regular survey, and calculation of social costs

14. To Combat Domestic Violence… With a strong political will and with our commitments, domestic violence against women can be drastically reduced, and finally eliminated.

15. Thank you!!! Thank you!!!