Taking firm action against harassment and violence against women and girls

Protecting the lives, health, freedom and dignity of women and girls is an important responsibility of society. Every woman and girl has the right to safety at home, in education, at work and in public places. Excusing or ignoring harassment and violence can allow them to continue.

Violence is not limited to physical force. Threats, humiliation, sexual coercion and restrictions on rights through exploitation of economic dependence can also cause serious harm. Unlawfully preventing a woman from studying, working or communicating with loved ones cannot be justified as “care” or “discipline.”

Uzbekistan’s Law on the Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence establishes protection and assistance measures. Depending on the conduct and statutory elements, administrative or criminal liability may arise. Every report requires an objective assessment of the circumstances and attention to safety.

A protection order is an important safeguard. The responsible police officer issues an order for up to 30 days within 24 hours after identifying harassment, violence or a threat of such conduct. If the danger remains, a criminal court may, upon the affected person’s application, extend the order for up to one year.

A woman or girl experiencing harassment or violence has the right to seek help. If there is immediate danger, she should move to safety where possible and contact the police. Medical assistance should not be delayed when injuries are present. Threatening messages, existing images and medical records may be useful, but collecting evidence must never take priority over safety.

Educational institutions and workplaces should take degrading treatment, threats and unacceptable behaviour seriously. Reporting to a responsible staff member does not restrict the right to seek assistance from the competent authorities. No one should pressure an affected person to withdraw a complaint or reconcile with the person responsible for violence.

Support means listening without blame, protecting personal information and respecting the affected person’s decisions. Responsibility for violence rests with the person who commits it. Firm action means recognising danger early, supporting those affected and putting lawful protection measures into practice.