'Mum does not cry or scream anymore': Breaking the silence of domestic abuse in Tajikistan | UN News
One third of women in Tajikistan are subjected to violence by their husbands, but very few cases are reported. Social and legal support, provided through the joint EU/UN Spotlight Initiative, is helping affected women to protect their rights.
The Hayot dar Oila lawyers gave Ms. Shermatova legal assistance, and worked with her to draft an appeal to the Tajikistan authorities, including the President.
The appeal worked: the Department of Internal Affairs detained Ms. Shermatova’s father-in-law, and he was tried and sentenced to six months in prison for his abuse. The court also initiated a criminal case against her husband for evading child support.
Foundations of a new life
Over the past two years, the Spotlight Initiative has supported psychological and legal assistance to vulnerable women like Ms. Shermatova, and helped them to become financially independent by providing capital to start their own small businesses.
Ms. Shermatova purchased an oven and a sewing machine so she could cook food to sell and earn an income through her tailoring business. Multiple studies have found that financial independence is a key factor in reducing women’s vulnerability to violence and allowing them to break the cycle of violence.
"Nowadays, we go to the city park, and Mum often buys treats. Mum does not cry or scream anymore", says one of Ms. Shermatova's three children.
Ms. Shermatova dreams of completing the construction of her house, continuing her small business, and giving her children the education that she could not afford for herself.
She no longer fears her father-in-law and receives ongoing legal assistance and social support through the Spotlight Initiative.
