Some community leaders, particularly those in rural areas, do not understand laws against domestic violence, according to the Timor-Leste Parliamentary Women Group (GMPTL).
GMPTL President, Member of Parliament Josefa Alvares Pereira Soares, said she was concerned about the situation as many community members were unaware of the laws regarding domestic violence.
“Even worse, the head of villages don’t understand it,” said MP Soares.
She said the lack of understanding made it difficult to combat domestic violence.
“People don’t really understand the law against domestic violence or divorce laws; there’s still great confusion about both laws,” said the Fretilin MP.
She said the State Secretary for the Promotion of Equality (SEPI) had an obligation to go to the villages to raise awareness of the laws.
She added it was very important to raise awareness to the communities and leaders, so they couldintervene should domestic violence occur.
State Secretary Idelta Maria Rodrigues acknowledged that societal attitudes to domestic violence were not acceptable.
She said when the law was promulgated, SEPI raised awareness in 442 villages in all 13 districts.
Despite this, the laws were still not understood, so continued efforts were necessary.
“I am glad peoplewere honest by saying that they don’t understand, now we can look for the way to resolve the problem,” SE Rodrigues said.
