Social taboos hovering around brutality are the main causes of perpetuating violence against women in Algeria.
In addition, lack of a sufficient response and support for sufferers of violence silence the victims, and perpetuate the violence.
Many women and girls are banished from their homes after suffering physical assaults by husbands or other relatives, which leave them with no option except to survive on the streets where they are often subjected to further violence.
There are many forms of violence against women in Algeria, including verbal harassment, threats, repudiation, beating, sexual abuse, rape, denying of individual civil rights for women, forced marriages, etc.
According to the statistical data:
1. 4,000 Algerian women have been victims of violence, including kidnapping rape and murder.
2. 1,180 cases of sexual mistreatment were recorded in 1999.
3. In 2005, some 7,400 women filed domestic violence complaints, 1,555 more than the previous year.
4. At least 500 girls have been kidnapped by rebels and 300 raped during attacks on villages.
5. 10% of under-19 year-olds are married while the legal age is 18.
Urgent need:
The government of Algeria has shown a lack of political will to ensure that women are protected from violent behavior.
Violence experienced by the country has had serious consequences for the moral, legal and material situation of thousands of people, mainly women and children. They continue to suffer today and urgent measures should be taken to relieve their suffering.
In accordance with its international obligations, Algeria should implement a genuine integrated action plan to combat violence against women.
