- Three-fourth (74%) of Sudanese say it is “never justified” for a man to use physical force to discipline his wife (Figure 1). o Women are more likely than men to condemn the use of physical force against women (82% vs. 68%).
- In Sudan, gender-based violence (GBV) ranks second among the most important women’s-rights issues that citizens say their government and society must address, behind unequal access to education (Figure 2).
- Almost four in 10 Sudanese (37%) say violence against women and girls is “somewhat common” or “very common” in their community, although a majority (63%) disagree (Figure 3).
- More than three out of four Sudanese (78%) consider domestic violence a private matter that needs to be resolved within the family. Only 20% believe it should be seen as a criminal matter that requires the involvement of law enforcement agencies (Figure 4).
- Almost two-thirds (63%) of citizens see it as likely that the police will take reported cases of GBV seriously, while 36% consider it unlikely (Figure 5).
- A majority (55%) of respondents say a woman who reports GBV to the authorities is likely to be criticised, harassed, or shamed by others in the community. Women are particularly likely to expect such negative consequences (61%).
A large majority of Sudanese say men are never justified in using physical force to discipline their wives, the latest Afrobarometer survey shows.
But while a majority of citizens say violence against women and girls is not a common occurrence in their community, most say domestic violence should be treated as a private matter to be resolved within the family rather than as a criminal matter.
In Sudan, gender-based violence (GBV) ranks second to unequal access to education among the most important women’s-rights issues that citizens say their government and society must address.
Although most citizens believe that the police take reported cases of GBV seriously, many also think community members will criticise or harass complainants for seeking help from the police.