Population size:
11,822,170 [1]
Number of people experiencing domestic abuse each year:
The Centre for Research, Studies, Documentation and Information on Women (CREDIF) conducted studies in 2010 and 2016, polling 3,873 women between the ages of 18 and 64. The results indicated that the rate of violence against women rose from 20% in 2010 to 75% in 2016. The rate of domestic abuse increased from 47% in 2010 to 60% in 2016. Surveys by the Ministry of Women, Family and Children have shown that more than 90% of children are victims of domestic violence in Tunisia. Only 17% of domestic violence victims report attacks. 73% of respondents did not expect anything from the institutions and services in place. [2]
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:
Since the quarantine was introduced on 23 March and the 30 April, there was a five-fold increase in reported cases of violence according to Tunisian minister in charge of women's affairs Shiri Laabidi based on calls to the ministry’s 24/7 hotline. [3]
Current law and policy:
Tunisia commits to take concrete action to address gender-based violence through its National Plan of Action to end violence against women.
Tunisia is committed to continue its efforts and take concrete action to address gender-based violence via the effective implementation of its National Plan of Action to end violence against women. As part of this strategy, Tunisia has established a national committee in 2012 to monitor its implementation. Tunisia has also created a national network of focal points including different stakeholders to end violence against women. The Ministry of Women and Family Affairs and UNFPA have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to improve the implementation of the National Plan of Action.
During the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, national and local campaigns have been undertaken to prevent domestic and gender violence and raise public awareness.
The Government of Tunisia further pledges to end violence against women by the dissemination of information materials, the effective use of free hotline services and by strengthening and increasing access to comprehensive care for domestic violence survivors. The Ministry of Women and Family Affairs is currently drafting a set of guidelines related to the establishment of centres and shelters for violence survivors. As a pilot project, co-sponsored by UN Women, Tunisia has created a shelter for gender-based violence survivors in December 2012.
The Tunisian Centre for Research, Studies, Documentation, and Information on Women (CREDIF), which operates under the Ministry of Women and Family Affairs, now offers training to prevent and end violence against women in the public space.
Further commitments include a study related to the law on sexual harassment currently conducted by the Ministry of Justice. Drafting an integral law against gender-based violence is also part of the gender responsive national agenda.
Sources
[1] Worldometer, “Tunisia Population (Live)”, (worldometers.info)