COVID-19 Domestic Violence Country Updates: Tunisia
Saturday, June 20, 2020 11:35 AM

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In Tunisia, the number of domestic violence cases reported since the beginning of the quarantine period in late March is five times the numbers during the same period in 2019. The Ministry of Women, Family, Children and Elderly Affairs in conjunction with parts of civil society have formed an awareness campaign, You are Not Alone, to provide victims of domestic violence with support during the current period of confinement. The Ministry started a toll-free number, run by psychologists, to support victims. Additionally, in April 2020, the Ministry opened its first transition center for women fleeing abusive homes to quarantine for 14 days before entering into existing domestic violence shelters. Due to the pandemic, the court’s hours are limited, and the Family Court is closed. Victims’ only option of legal redress is to file a complaint and wait for the courts to reopen.