Dili, March 27, 2025 (Média Democracia) – Secretary of State for Equality (S.E.I.), Elvina Sousa Carvalho clarified her declaration on “Men Also Have the Right to Report Domestic Violence.”
S.E.I. said that talking about Gender Based Violence and fighting for equality between women and men as guaranteed by the RDTL constitution in article 16.
“Regarding me appealing to men to report when receiving domestic violence from women, I think or explain that when we talk about domestic violence, when we talk about fighting for gender equality, we talk about equal opportunities and also we talk about equality between women and men which is guaranteed by our constitution.” Said S.E.I. Elvina Sousa
Therefore, S.E.I. appeals to all citizens, both men and women, if they experience violence in any form, to report it to the relevant parties.
She said that her party appealed to men to report to the relevant parties, because many men experience Domestic Violence and they do not want to talk, they just keep quiet.
“Why should I encourage men to complain? Because many men who are experiencing domestic violence, who are seriously affected, just keep quiet. They do not speak out because our society has a certain view of masculinity, where strength dominates.” She said.
She said that men experience domestic violence and physical violence from women, but they don’t report it because many of them face bullying and also experience discrimination from society.
“They don’t want to report it because they face bullying, and they will face discrimination from society, from men, because they are considered less than when they experience violence from women. People will say, ‘You’re not a man, why would a woman hit you? Why it’s like this.” She said
The State Secretary informs that women and men are equal before the law, and both women and men have the obligation to respect each other. Therefore, everyone has the responsibility to create a society that is equal and justice.
She informed, “Men should not discriminate against women, and women should not discriminate against men. Now, through these comments and the news, people’s mentality can change, understanding that no one should be discriminated against. Men and women are equal before the law, regardless of disabilities or different sexual orientations. Everyone has the same rights and duties before the law, and the law protects all individuals.”
She affirmed that in cases of domestic violence or gender-based violence, the legal mechanisms provided by the state are the same because the law guarantees equal rights for both men and women. The entire process involves the participation of the Public Ministry before proceeding with the case.
On this occasion, the Secretary of State for Equality called on the media to continue being partners of S.E.I. in disseminating information that contributes to reducing any form of violence against women and girls. This is because, through inclusive and informative journalistic content about gender-related legislation and commitments that the State of Timor-Leste has already promulgated, awareness can be raised
Reported by : Estefania
Picture by : Estefania