Domestic violence is often not recognized as a human rights abuse or there is a tendency to think that the government cannot do anything about this type of violence because it takes place in the private sphere: within the home, in a relationship, or between two married people. However, according to the CEDAW committee member states are obligated to act with due diligence to prevent violations of women’s rights, to investigate and punish acts of violence that do occur, and to provide assistance and compensation to victims of domestic violence. Other human rights conventions also obligate states to work actively to prevent domestic violence.

Aim for human rights sees domestic violence and the lack of effective government policy to prevent domestic violence as a serious human rights violation. For this reason we are developing the Domestic Violence Assessment Instrument (DOVA) to systematically analyse and evaluate policy on domestic violence. The tool facilitates the step-by-step identification of a country’s international human rights responsibilities regarding domestic violence. The tool enables NGOs and governments to work towards improved legislation, policies and legal practice for countering and preventing domestic violence.

The development of DOVA is a participatory process. Aim for human rights works closely with partners from Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin-America. Our international partners were involved in the first stage of project with carrying out  needs assessments to make sure the instrument meets the needs in the field. They worked with us to decide what the instrument is to be used for and what it should look like. Our partner organisations will test the draft instrument to ensure international applicability. Aim for human rights takes a global approach because domestic violence happens all over the world. By working together, NGOs can learn from each others experiences and inform and strengthen each other’s work. After the test phase, DOVA will be distributed.