Contributed by Yuliya Gureyeva, Azerbaijan National VAW Monitor

The campaign “No Excuse for Domestic Violence” has begun in Azerbaijan. Within this campaign, newly-married couples will sign an additional document against domestic violence in addition to the marriage certificate. 

The organizers of the campaign are the Union “Women with University Degrees”, UNIFEM, Catholics Relief Services and the State Committee of Family, Women and Children Issues. Within the framework of the project, organizers plan to conduct training for journalists who are writing on the issues of violence. According to the leader of Union “Women with University Degrees,” Tamam Jafarova, the aim of the seminar is to conduct enlightening work among representatives of the mass media to ensure a legal approach to the issue. “To write correctly about the issue, journalists should know national and international legislation. Currently in the press, domestic violence is not presented as a violation of women’s rights. Articles usually present it as a criminal event. The project will be over in December and we will conduct a conference on the issue. At the conference, journalist-authors of the best article on domestic violence will be recognized” – Informed Ms. Jafarova.

In addition, Civic Forums on domestic violence will be held in four regions of Azerbaijan – Lenkaran, Sabirabad, Shamaha and Guba. Early marriage will be discussed as a part of domestic violence. 

Source: Women Organizations Conduct Seminar against Domestic Violence, Day.Az Information Agency, 06.10.2006 (Last accessed October 20, 2006)