Authors : Georgina Candy Coker and Maame Akua Amoah Twum
Site of publication: Afro barometer
Type of publication: Investigation
Date of publication: August 2023
Summary
Liberian President George Weah declared rape a national emergency in 2020, after signing a Domestic Violence Act the previous year (Al Jazeera, 2020; FrontPage Africa, 2019). Despite these steps, rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls persist, perpetuated by traditional social norms as well as social dislocations and a lack of accountability as a legacy of the country’s 14-year civil war.
Liberian women suffer various forms of gender-based violence (GBV), including sexual and domestic violence, early and forced marriage, wife inheritance, and female genital mutilation (Ministry of Gender and Development, 2009). Liberia’s 2020 Demographic and Health Survey found that 60% of women aged 15-49 had experienced physical violence, including 33% who had experienced such violence in the 12 months before the survey. The survey also highlights the underreporting of rape and other forms of GBV, which are often seen as family matters. Only 42% of women aged 15-49 who had experienced physical or sexual violence had sought help.
Is gender-based violence (GBV) an important problem in Liberia?
In Liberia, gender-based violence ranks as the most important problem related to women’s rights that citizens think the government and society must address.
Almost half (47%) of respondents cite GBV as their top concern – more than twice as many as prioritize a lack of women in influential positions in government (20%) and unequal access to education (19%). Unequal opportunities or pay in the workplace (9%) and unequal rights of property ownership and inheritance (4%) rank lower among citizens’ concerns. Women and men share similar views on the importance of addressing GBV.
Liberian women suffer various forms of gender-based violence (GBV), including sexual and domestic violence, early and forced marriage, wife inheritance, and female genital mutilation (Ministry of Gender and Development, 2009). Liberia’s 2020 Demographic and Health Survey found that 60% of women aged 15-49 had experienced physical violence, including 33% who had experienced such violence in the 12 months before the survey. The survey also highlights the underreporting of rape and other forms of GBV, which are often seen as family matters. Only 42% of women aged 15-49 who had experienced physical or sexual violence had sought help
Physical discipline of a spouse
A majority (56%) of Liberians say it is “never justified” for a man to use physical force to discipline his wife, but almost half (44%) consider it “sometimes” or “always” justified. Men and women see almost eye to eye on this issue. Educated citizens are more likely to reject the use of physical force (61% of those with secondary or post-secondary education, vs. 48%-54% of those with primary schooling or less). This perception is also more widespread in cities (60%) than in rural areas (52%). The oldest (49%) and youngest (51%) respondents are less likely to oppose the use of physical force by husbands.
Is domestic violence a criminal or family matter?
One common form of GBV is domestic violence. Even though the perpetrators may be known, many domestic violence cases go unreported or unresolved, and many present victims and families with complex, wrenching decisions. Do Liberians see domestic violence as a criminal matter or a private matter? Two-thirds (65%) of respondents say domestic violence is a criminal matter that requires the involvement of law enforcement agencies, while one-third (33%) believe that GBV is a private matter to be resolved within the family.