STRATEGIES TO TACKLE INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN CUBA: COMMUNITY-LEVEL EFFORTS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is the most prevailing form of Violence Against Women (VAW). Due to this common occurrence, it is essential to develop effective measures to combat IPV. Through field research conducted in Cuba, this study explores the strategies used by Cuban community-level organizations to address IPV against women in Havana. Interviews with organization staff reveal that the strategies at the community level respond well to the existing factors that support IPV in Cuban society, such as gender sensitivity workshops, gender trainings for key officials to deal with abused women, individual counseling, occupational trainings, awareness-raising campaigns and edutainment. Yet multiple challenges are recognized by the interviewees that hinder more effective implementations of their programs to reduce IPV. In addition, further comprehensive analysis presumes there is room for improvement especially in terms of program content of gender workshops, trainings and edutainment.