Themes

They don't feel any different, but they are making all the difference in Rio de Janeiro's Military Police force. Even though they are a minority, they are now rising to command positions. According to PMERJ General Commander Colonel Mário Sérgio, with the exception of only a few roles that may engage in armed confrontation, all doors are open to women at the PMERJ, and they are key to Rio de Janeiro's UPPs.

Femininity and masculinity, security and insecurity in the context of armed violence or domestic violence. These issues will gain more visibility with the launch of the website of the Observatory on Gender and Armed Violence. Comunidade Segura talked to OGAV staff member Tatiana Gonçalves Moura.

International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA)'s Sarah Masters introduces the worldwide Disarming Domestic Violence campaign, a part of the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence held in 85 countries to draw attention to the human toll of small arms proliferation and misuse. "The main goal is to ensure that anyone with a history of domestic abuse is denied access to a firearm, and has their license revoked."

For male offenders alternative sentencing for domestic violence, or gender-based violence, may mean court ordered membership in discussion groups. The groups are active in Brazil's Minas Gerais state and hope to defuse violence by stimulating reflection and discussion for men charged with violent acts and by providing support for female victims.

"One woman dies every three days at the hands of her partner, former partner or member of her family", and Maria Cristina Perceval, or Marita, a senator in Argentina wants to make sure that will change.  Comunidad Segura spoke to the woman who began women´s councils in the 1980’s and champions an important new all inclusive women´s protection bill.  

On International Women's Day, women leaders tell Comunidad Segura about grassroots initiatives in four cities in Latin America with the same goal: to restore women the freedom to come and go without fear.

“People act based on expected behavior, on the expectations of their community. If you understand this you can promote change.” Cristina Bicchieri, Philosophy of Science professor at University of Pennsylvania, on science's contribution to social activism.

Gary Barker, of the Promundo Institute, discusses role models that mix violence and masculinity in inner cities around the world. "I have reason to be optimistic" he says, however, describing paths to non violence in this exclusive interview.

Global campaign 16 days to End Violence Against Women notes step forward with Brazil's Maria da Penha Law, while new fronts open by activists ask the judiciary to commit to the new law, men to make public pledges and take the message to women in the interior and in forests. 

Researchers went out to meet and interview families in Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil  to find out whether children are heard in family matters. The results are not encouraging, first, parents need to be active citizens themselves. In those families that do, the result is higher self-esteem and more respect for others.