In Timor-Leste the victims of sexual violence are mainly women because women are more vulnerable, often they are not yet able to defend their rights as women, thus, making them more susceptible to the violation of their rights by men.
“I am ready to disseminate information in the communities, especially in the rural areas where they don’t have access to information on how to prevent domestic violence and sexual violence. I will be able to disseminate the material I received here today, in my village to ensure they know how to defend their rights,” said Aurora Maria Pinto, from organization Knua Haberan Komunidade (KHC), Viqueqeu, at the Seminary of Dare, in Dili, last week (19/10).
KHC Member Pinto added victims of sexual violence are mostly women because they are more vulnerable, but in addition to being vulnerable sometimes men use force and money and that is when sexual violence occurs. She added that women despite certain vulnerabilities can also prevent themselves from sexual violence.
“I urge women to not just sit at home. We need to receive information and training so that we are more aware of the rights of women, the duties and so we place greater dignity in women’s lives,” said KHC Member Pinto.
In the meantime, Carolino Gonzaga, the Team Leader of the Information Program, Caritas Australia, said his NGO disseminates information about sexual and domestic violence through its partners in Timor-Leste and through Train the Trainer (TOT) programs so that women understand what sexual and domestic violence is. Following the TOT programs the local partners themselves can disseminate information to communities in their areas.
“Often sexual violence takes place because women are vulnerable, also because some women do not respect themselves and do not put a high value on their personal dignity. I urge women to not be afraid and to not be embarrassed and seek help with organizations that can offer support,” Team Leader Gonzaga.
He added that domestic vio lence can happen to anyone, to the elderly, to children because children are too afraid to speak out and powerless, often less confident thus more vulnerable in being victims of sexual violence. The worst cases are those that take place at home perpetrated by the father on a child. The child will often be too embarrassed to say anything and this makes it very difficult to address.
The participants of the TOT training session thanked Caritas Australia for enabling them to acquire experience on how to prevent sexual and domestic violence, about women’s rights, human rights and gender equality.
