Text: In Weekend Newspaper – 25 January 2026
Since the beginning of the year, the country has once again been confronted with a troubling rise in domestic violence cases resulting in death. These incidents, which continue to claim lives and traumatise families, underscore a persistent and deeply rooted social crisis.
Last week, a disturbing video circulated widely on social media showing a husband verbally abusing and violently kicking his wife, a woman with disabilities confined to a wheelchair, in full view of their children. When the victim stated her intention to report the abuse to the police, the violence escalated further, with the aggressor using his full physical force to assault her repeatedly. The images were shocking, not only for their brutality but also for what they revealed about the vulnerability of victims within their own home.
To date, the only in-depth response, apart from direct police action, articulated by the authorities has been the prospect of amendments to the Domestic Violence Act.
While legislative reform is necessary, it is insufficient on its own. As Democracy Watch Mauritius (DWM) has previously argued, addressing domestic violence requires a comprehensive and preventive approach that goes far beyond changes to the law. Urgent and concrete measures must be implemented to prevent violence before it escalates and to protect victims more effectively.
DWM therefore reiterates the need for the following actions:
- A nationwide, sustained sensitisation campaign, using posters, pamphlets, broadcast media and digital platforms, to clearly communicate that domestic violence is a crime, not a private matter, and to inform victims of available support mechanisms.
- Immediate and systematic follow-up of cases reported to police stations, with clear accountability mechanisms to ensure that complaints are not ignored, minimised or delayed.
- Enhanced deployment of government and SILWF social workers, assigning them responsibility for specific geographical areas. Familiarity with local communities would allow these professionals to identify patterns of abuse, intervene earlier and report high-risk situations.
- Formal partnerships with non-governmental organisations, which are often closest to vulnerable communities and can assist in identifying at-risk households and providing frontline support.
- The introduction of civic and value-based education in schools, aimed at instilling respect for girls and women from an early age, and challenging harmful gender norms among young boys.
- The active involvement of men and boys as partners in prevention efforts, through targeted programmes that promote healthy masculinity, conflict resolution and accountability.
Domestic violence is not merely a legal issue; it is a societal failure. Without decisive leadership, coordinated action and sustained prevention efforts, legislative amendments alone will not stop the cycle of abuse. The cost of inaction continues to be paid by the most vulnerable—often in silence, and too often with their lives.
DWM urges urgent action from government, along the lines described above.
DWM Team
