NECWA RAHIM

Algeria- Although Algeria has adopted laws for more than five years to protect women from violence, the number of women being subjected to violence has been increasing.  Security forces in the country recorded more than 740,000 cases of violence against women and femicide in the first nine months of 2021. We spoke to Maryam Belala, the head of the Centre for Women in Distress about the increasing violence against women in the country. “Despite the existence of laws criminalizing violence against women, women cannot be protected from violence,” she told us.

“Our center is the only reception center for women victims”

Pointed out that gender-based violence is more visible than before because people speak out against it, Maryam Belala said, “Before it was a taboo for families and institutions but now more people speak out against it so it is more visible now. The Centre for Women in Distress is the only reception center for women victims of violence. We provide protection for women when they apply to us. But there are no protection mechanisms or initiatives to protect women in different situations.”

“Victims of violence shouldn’t be sent to their homes”

Stating that many women have applied them to protect themselves from violence, Maryam Belala said, “When women report police violence faced by them, they are sent back to their homes. Unfortunately, we don’t have branches in every city but we should have because we don’t want the victims of violence to be sent back home. We know that when they are sent back home, they will probably be killed.”

“Domestic violence has intensified in Algeria”

Stating that it is not possible to progress without providing protection and support for victims of violence, Maryam Belala emphasized that reception and care centers should be found especially for women and girls who are victims of sexual violence. “Since the outbreak of Covid-19, all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified,” she said.

“We need preventive laws”

More than 80 women were killed by their husbands, fathers, and brothers between 2020 and 2021, according to a report published in Algeria. Maryam Belala called on the authorities and institutions working for women’s rights to enact laws to protect women from violence. “Most women don’t report the violence against them because they know they don’t have any place to go. These women should be protected.”