Prevention of domestic and sexual violence and improvement of access to justice for its victims in Nicaragua

Project completed

In 2012, the Nicaraguan State has approved a Comprehensive Law to combat Violence against Women. The law intends to promote violence prevention, improve judicial procedures and enhance access of victims to justice. The project contributes to the building of new institutional capacities required to implement the law. It supports the appropriation of the new legal framework by the authorities and the public.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Nicaragua
Governance
Human rights
Rule of Law - Democracy - Human rights
Legal and judicial development
Human rights (incl. Women's rights)
01.10.2012 - 31.12.2015
CHF 1'000'000
Background

Domestic and sexual violence in Nicaragua has the dimensions of a pandemic. The annual costs are estimated at 1.6% of the annual gross domestic product. The judicial system lacks the institutional capacity to deal with more than 30’000 cases per year and to process and punish the victimizers.

Objectives

Contribute to the prevention of domestic and sexual violence and improve access to justice by its victims.

Target groups
  • Officers from the Justice System and National Police
  • Leaders from civil society
  • Journalist and communication professionals
Medium-term outcomes

The effective implementation of the Comprehensive Law No.779 is improved due to the allocation of financial resources from the national budget. The integrated model of attention to victims of domestic and sexual violence is strengthened and the satisfaction of victims is improved. The alliances between public and private stakeholders to prevent violence are consolidated and contribute to promoting a culture of peace and respect for women.

Results

Results from previous phases:  

In the previous phase supported by Norway, the following results were achieved: Technical assistance was provided for the approval of the Comprehensive Law against Violence toward Women (Law No.779); the basis of an integrated model of attention to victims was developed; and a strategic plan for the Shelters Network was established. Main insight of the phase: in order to be effective in the struggle against violence, there must be profound coordination of actions between state institutions and civil society organizations.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • United Nations Development Programme


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF   1'000'000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF   906'614
Project phases

Phase 1 01.10.2012 - 31.12.2015   (Completed)