WORLD CONFERENCE ON FAMILY VIOLENCE SHARING SOLUTIONS. CHANGING THE WORLD.

• Author: Moss, Janine

The first World Conference on Family Violence was held in Singapore from 8-11 September 1998, jointly sponsored by the YWCA USA and People to People Ambassador Programs USA. The goal of the conference was to focus on practical, sustainable solutions that can be implemented in different cultures to stem the growing trend of family violence.

Approximately 450 delegates representing 40 countries attended the conference. There was a large contingent of North American delegates, particularly from the United States. Well over half the delegates represented non-government organisations, for example, the YWCA, women's refuges, sexual abuse and domestic violence crisis centres, and other social service providers. The second largest contingent of delegates were health professionals (health educators, nurses and doctors), followed by teachers and university lecturers. There were around 30 delegates with a background in law. There were even fewer delegates, like myself, representing government agencies. Altogether, six New Zealand women attended the conference (no men attended): three represented the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges; one was a lawyer; another was a lecturer in film studies from Waikato University; and I represented the Social Policy Agency, Department of Social Welfare.

Rather than focusing on themes of child abuse, partner abuse or elder abuse, the working sessions were organised into more generic themes, for example, cross-cultural,legal/judicial, workplace, programme models, psychosocial, public policy, research/evaluation, medical. The organisers did not attempt to define family violence, which made the conference inclusive of different perspectives. Generally, this approach worked well. It ensured the conference was not captured by a particular interest group. However, it also meant that some important issues, such as the provision of services for children and young people, became somewhat lost in the general sessions.

Claire Chiang, President of the Society Against Family Violence and Singaporean MP, made the keynote address. Ms Chiang was of the view that "harsh Western legislation" focusing on punishing the perpetrator is not enough. In her opinion, a distinction needs to be made between the violent offence and the relationship, including involving men (as perpetrators) more frequently in finding a solution to the violence. Ms Chiang promoted the view that, wherever possible, family violence issues should be managed within the context of a relationship. She made available a brochure from her organisation, the Society Against Family Violence, entitled "I Do -- Marriage, Making and Keeping the Commitment".

Ms Chiang's address raised a debate about the status of the family, which polarised many delegates, perhaps not surprisingly, along cultural and religious lines. On one side, delegates agreed with her view that the family unit ought to be maintained and protected; on the other, delegates were of the view that an individual's safety should be the paramount concern. Her address also illustrated the difference that culture and religious beliefs can...