The Da Nang Women's Union at various levels is implementing practical activities in an effort to ensure all women and children in the city are able to live a life free of violence, contributing to building a safe city in line with the direction from the municipal administration.

Violence prevention poster is being display at the Nguyen Phu Huong Junior High School located in Hoa Tien Commune, Hoa Vang District. Photo: T.P

Mrs Bui Thi Thanh Ha, the Chairwoman of the An Khe Ward Chapter of the Da Nang Women's Union said that a club to provide free legal advice for women and children has been established in a bid to facilitate access to legal help and information for them, as well as protect the legitimate rights and interests of them and those living under very difficult circumstances in the ward.

Till date, the club has supported nearly 20 people who sought legal advice related to civil law matters, property related issues, and more.

In addition, QR code check-ins for domestic violence shelters have been announced widely in an attempt to provide immediate protection from danger through safe and emergency shelter for child and female victims. Furthermore, helplines have been also created and widely publicised in order to provide family and domestic violence support and advice. Currently, these QR codes are being displayed in the front of community houses in residential settings in the wards of Tan Hoa, Tan An, Thuan An, An Xuan, and more.

A club to ecourage domestic violence victims to speak out and seek help was established in Hoa Tho Dong Ward, Cam Le District in April 2021, and it now has 22 members, including 8 male members. Violence against women is both a cause and consequence of gender inequality and is an abuse of the power imbalance between women and men. Therefore, the active involment of men in raising public awarenese has a positive and pervasive effect on local commumity in order to encourage people to take action to promote gender equality and end domestic violence.

The club now maintains regular activities twice a month, and it is a place for women to speak up for gender inequality, violence, abuse and unequal treatment at home. Therefore, the club provides timely support, advice and interventions for domestic violence victims. Heed is paid to raising public awareness of the social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence, as well as providing support for those affected. At the same time, the club also collects evidence on acts of violence and abuse against women and children in order to report them to competent agencies.

Till date, the club has helped more than 25 women who experienced family violence and now they and their husband have also fixed problems in their relationship and better understand each other, and they live happily and learn how to love each other better. Besides, the club also provides support for local poor women and children in addition to helping disadvantged women access job opportunities in order to earn a living income to improve their living conditions.

The above mentioned practical activities are changing male perceptions of gender equality, contributing to end domestic violence against women and children, as well as building a healthy and safe living environment for them. As a result, many domestic violence victims have been protected from their attackers. The relationship in some families has been helped to be saved after domestic violence, contributing to ensuring local security and order.

Reporting by THANH PHUONG – Translating by H.L