Domestic Violence in Mozambique: From policy to practice

Abstract

Background: To reduce the impact of domestic violence (DV), Mozambican governmental and non-governmental entities are making efforts to strengthen the legislative framework and improve the accessibility of care services for survivors of violence. Despite this remarkable commitment, the translation of policies and legislation into actions remains a huge challenge. Therefore, this paper aims to identify gaps in the implementation of existing national policies and laws for DV in the services providing care for survivors of DV. Methods: This study, using a qualitative approach had two components. The first was content analysis of guidelines and protocols for DV care provision. The second consisted of in-depth interviews with institutional gender focal points. The analysis of the document content was based on a framework developed according to key elements recommended by international agencies (PAHO and UN) for DV policies and strategies design. Data from the in-depth interviews, where analysed in accordance with study objectives.Results: Eleven (11) guidelines/protocols of care provision and innumerable brochures and pamphlets were identified and analysed. There is a standardised form which highlights the integrated approach incorporating fields for police and the health sector but excludes Civil Society Organizations. However, there is no national DV database. Although the focal points recognised the relevance of the reviewed documents, many identified gaps in implementation. This is related to the weaknesses of the offender’s penalisation and to the scarcity of care providers. And, many providers who do exist often lack appropriate training. They also recognised their performance is negatively influenced by socio-cultural factors.Conclusion: Within services providing care to survivors of DV, a scarcity of guidelines and protocols exist, compromising the quality and standardisation of care. Recognition of the relevance of care guidelines and protocols is a strength, there are challenges governmental and non-governmental entities must address in order to ensure DV prevention and control strategies have the desired results.