Population size:
11,263,080.[1]
Number of people experiencing domestic abuse each year:
The prevalence of IPV victimization was 32.5% with the majority reporting emotional (24.7%) followed by physical (16.8%) and sexual (10.5%) violence.[2]
Prevalence of domestic violence against women (lifetime) 21%.[3]
No research on male victims or other gender identities.
Cost of domestic abuse to the economy each year:
No research.
Estimated % change due to COVID-19:
No research. However, the Haitian Secretary of State on Disability Soinette Désir reports that COVID-19 has worsened the situation of women and girls with disabilities, who are experiencing sexual violence at greater rates and suffering some of the economic hardships mentioned above as well. As the practice of sheltering in place spreads, we anticipate increased intimate partner and sexual violence, just as has been seen in other parts of the world.[4]
Current law and policy:
A new section of the Haitian Penal Code entitled Sexual Aggressions, the amended Article 278, provides that anyone who commits rape or is responsible for any other type of sexual aggression shall be punished with ten years of forced labour. Furthermore, Article 280 now states that in the event that the crime is committed against a child under the age of fifteen, the perpetrator shall be punished with fifteen years of forced labour. Although the 2005 legislation represents a positive development in deterring gender-based violence, the effective adjudication of rape cases and judicial redress for victims have failed to keep pace with expectations.
Public spending - 7.5% of GDP on violence containment (excluding individuals’ expenditures and indirect costs such as lost wages resulting from lower productivity or absenteeism).[5]
Sources
[1] The World Bank, (1).
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31928293/ (Jan 2020)
[3] https://www.genderindex.org/wp-content/uploads/files/datasheets/2019/HT.pdf (2019)
[4] https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/5/take-five-emanuela-paul-on-covid-19 (May 2020)