Population Size:
556,960.[1]
Number of People Experiencing Domestic Abuse Each Year:
16.1% of women reported having experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime,[2] while 7.8% reported having experienced such in the last 12 months.[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.
Current Law and Policy:
In 2005, Cabo Verde ratified the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the ‘Maputo Protocol’) and thereby committed to promote women’s rights and end violence against women.
The Law on Gender-Based Violence, Law No. 84/VII/2011, was passed on 10th January 2011 and entered into force in March 2011.[4] Domestic violence is regarded by the Law as a public crime that can be brought to the attention of public authorities by anyone and that such should be treated as a matter of urgency and priority by the judiciary. In addition, the Law focuses on increasing the level of protection for victims, strengthening punishments for those convicted, raising awareness of gender-based violence, expanding services, such as shelters and treatment programmes for offenders, and establishing independent care centres. However, the implementation of this Law has been hindered by inadequate staffing and financial resources. NGO sources have criticised the lack of social and psychological care for perpetrators and survivors alike.
In addition, the government has not enforced this Law effectively.
Frontline Services:
Equal Rights Trust - https://www.equalrightstrust.org/contact - info@equalrightstrust.org
Sources
[1] Worldometer, “Cabo Verde Population (Live)”, (worldometers.info).
[2] National Statistical Institute and Minister of Health, “Second Inquiry into Demographics and Reproductive Health in Cabo Verde”, (2008), Report IDSR-II.
[3] ibid.
[4] UN Women, “Global Database on Violence Against Women – Law on Gender-Based Violence in Cabo Verde”, (evaw-global-database.unwomen.org).
Further Reading
[1] OECD, “Cabo Verde”, (2019), Social Institutions and Gender Index.
[2] United States Department of State, “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2019 – Cabo Verde”, (2019), Report.
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