12 September 2014 - In an effort to curb increasing instances of domestic violence and abortion in the Protection of Civilian (PoC) site in Malakal, UNMISS conducted a one-day forum there for women.

The aim of the forum was to raise awareness about the effects of domestic violence and abortion.

“Domestic violence and abortion are becoming major problems in the PoC, so this forum aims at creating awareness on the effects and possible ways to avoid these problems,” said UNMISS Gender Officer Batricia Paul.

Ms. Paul said the group most affected by domestic violence was women, who were also performing abortions.

Participant Nycahngok Kara said women in the PoC were committed to end domestic violence, but that would be possible if men willingly joined the fight.

“Women have always been the victims of domestic violence and we need to put a stop to this act but we cannot do this alone. Our men have to agree to this,” said Ms. Kara.

Another participant, Rachel Mayik, urged UNMISS and other partners to encourage men and women to start using family planning methods to avoid unplanned pregnancies, which was the only solution for abortion.

The forum, which was jointly organized by UNMISS Public Information and Gender units also briefed participants on the mission’s mandate.