The UN describes violence against women as the most widespread human rights violation in the world. Almost one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner, sexual violence from a non-partner, or both.
At the same time, the Norwegian Commission on Extremism points out that misogyny and violent extremism are increasingly linked. The UiA - Centre for Gender and Equality is now bringing these two areas together in a new field called “Violence prevention”.
“The field is still being established. Our first goal is to build contacts in the region, develop expertise and create a forum where we can work with relevant partners. As part of the university, we are also keen to contribute to teaching programmes and to run awareness campaigns for our students,” says Adriana Ruiz.
She is senior adviser and head of Violence prevention at the UiA - Centre for Gender and Equality.
Tools for frontline services
“We will study the phenomenon, understand it and develop tools for people working in frontline services, especially those who work with children and young people,” says Ruiz.
The work is based on the mandate the centre has received from Bufdir (the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs) and UiA, and is linked to the Government’s gender equality strategy. One of the main goals of that strategy is a society free from violence, rape, sexual harassment and online abuse.
Ruiz refers to the report from the Commission on Extremism, which describes a growing link between violent extremism and misogynistic ideologies that legitimise violence against women.
“The report also points to a connection between domestic violence, social exclusion and trauma. According to the report, people who have committed domestic violence are overrepresented in groups at high risk of radicalisation,” she says.
On violence, the new field will focus on domestic violence, violence against women, the structures that keep the cycle of violence going, and victims’ contact with support services such as the police, crisis centres and the municipality.
On radicalisation, the aim is to understand what happens during the radicalisation process itself, and what can help prevent it.
Violence against women is a global phenomenon that affects millions of people every year. It ranges from psychological, financial, physical and sexual violence to murder. And it happens in Norway too, not least in Agder.
- Adriana Ruiz
Affecting Agder
Violence against women is a reality in Agder too. The threat assessment from Agder Police District shows that women aged 18–29 and 30–39 account for the most overnight stays at crisis centres in the region. Women outside the workforce are overrepresented.
“Violence against women is a global phenomenon that affects millions of people every year. It ranges from psychological, financial, physical and sexual violence to murder. And it happens in Norway too, not least in Agder,” says Ruiz.
Asked what she would change about the way Norway prevents violence against women, Ruiz points to the need for better follow-up of cases.
“Far too many cases are dropped by the police or not followed up properly,” she says.
She refers to the report from the Norwegian Intimate Partner Homicide Committee. According to the report, more than 70 per cent of intimate partner homicides in Norway take place in relationships where violence has previously been recorded.
A deep commitment
Her commitment to the field began during her master’s programme in Public Policy and Management at UiA, now called Political Science and Management. Ruiz wrote her master’s thesis on how the trade agreement between the EU and Mexico affected women’s rights in Mexico. Her case study was a legal reform designed to protect women’s right to a life free from violence. She travelled to Mexico to talk to activists and civil society representatives who had campaigned for the reform.
“These experiences made me increasingly involved in the fight against domestic violence, both through political work and by supporting civil society,” says Ruiz.
Since 2016, she has helped mark the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. She has also written articles and organised local campaigns. On radicalisation, she is taking part in a national project with all the gender equality centres in Norway. The project will build expertise, gather experience and develop tools for prevention.
“It’s about working towards a society where everyone has a fair chance to take part on equal terms. A stable connection to school, access to work and meaningful leisure activities are crucial to preventing social exclusion,” she says.
Breakfast seminar at UiA
The new field will be launched on 25 November with a breakfast seminar to mark the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Guests from the police, the crisis centre and the research community will take part.
“We’ll be joined by Sørlandet Crisis Centre and the police prevention unit, as well as a researcher from the Norwegian Centre of Expertise on Violent Extremism,” says Ruiz.
Registration deadline: 17 November
Would you like to work with us or find out more? Contact Adriana:
- adriana.r.parada@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 41 36 19 91