PALMA PACT
AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE
The people, associations, public and private organizations, and Municipal Government of Palma, signatories of this “Palma Pact Against Gender Violence”, wish to work toward a city free from violence, and provide high-quality services to those suffering from it.
We know that:
- Violence against women merely on the basis of their gender is a worldwide phenomenon, which is a major cause of death and an attack on human dignity.
- It has its roots in the historical inequality between women and men, and its manifestations such as physical, psychological or sexual violence, abuse, harassment or prostitution. It is present in many realms of personal and social relations, and in the city of Palma as well.
- Thanks to the change in values that led to the democratization of society, and the initial work of the feminist movement, violence against women has gone from being considered a private situation to a public matter, as its causes and consequences are of a scope that affects all of society.
- There are responses to this most serious form of inequality from the legal framework, the initiative of public administrations, the action of social groups earnestly working against it, and from citizens, which make possible everyone’s improved intervention and involvement in zero tolerance.
The Local Council of Palma, as an administration that is competent and close to its citizens, is prioritizing actions devoted to prevention and eradication, as well as those geared to comprehensive protection and care for persons who have suffered this violence, so that they may progress in models of cohabitation based on respect and collaboration between women and men.
Aware that only the commitment, teamwork and collaboration of everyone involved will facilitate progress, the following common goals have been set:
- Make visible the reality of violence against women, condemning its manifestations, and making known the true dimension of the problem and consequences suffered by its direct and indirect victims (daughters and sons).
- Support victims through actions and activities necessary to overcome the situation of violence, respecting their decisions and initiatives, and facilitating resources and access to resources.
- Publicize the resources, activities and measures aimed at eradicating violence against women, and reinforce the social models that allow non-violent conflict resolution, promoting education for peace.
- Make a commitment to act against all types of violence, promoting and conveying non-sexist models that respect equality between women and men.
Accession to the pact means commitment to these objectives. The joining of commitments to assume the objectives through this pact will make possible a progressive change in the situation in Palma, and the building of a society in which women and men can develop, participate and have access to decision-making on equal terms.
Palma, November 25, 2008
Telephone 971 227 400 Fax 971 721 628 violenciagenere@a-palma.es Calle de la Ferreria, 10 07002 Palma de Mallorca
