2011 N-Peace in Peace and Security Award recipient, Filomena Barros dos Reis, said good communication between family members and at home is key to reduce the incidents of domestic violence and increase peace and security in Timor-Leste.
She recognizes everyone has different personalities but communication and dialogue between parents and children is an efficient tool to combat domestic violence and find ways to solve problems calmly and to contribute to peace building and security within the family.
“Problems must not be solved using physical force. I always say it’s important for a family to be together and we might not sit together all day because of work but it’s good to share experiences at night about activities done during the day,” said Reis, in Dili.
Meanwhile Madalena Bidau Soares alias Kasian, N-Peace Award recipient for 2013, said domestic violence is a complex problem, as everyone has different personalities.
She added in some cases, wives depend too much on their husband so this situation poses challenges for them at home.
“Our nation is independent so men and women need to work and contribute to the nation and not just wait for the government to do everything.”
