Federación Mexicana de Mujeres Universitarias
Prevention of Household Violence

Family violence, an area of concern in Mexico, is the focus of the project run by the Mexican Federation of University Women (FEMU). The "Prevention of Household Violence" project provides immediate and direct shelter and support for victims of domestic violence.

Three centres have already been established under the project, providing immediate temporary accommodation and assistance to women and children in need. Members of FEMU volunteer their time and skills at these centres, maintaining a permanent staff of doctors, psychologists, social workers, lawyers and trainers. In addition, community self-help workshops and other educational and information services, aimed at reducing domestic violence, are organised in each of the centres by FEMU members. Recently the Mexican Federation of University Women was called upon to advise 2 local government bodies about constructing similar shelters for victims of violence.

In 2007 FEMU opened a new shelter for victims of family violence in the Hildalgo State.  During the course of the year the shelter provided assistance for 798 women and children.

During 2008, over one thousand women and children were housed in the shelters run by FEMU for stays of 3-4 months.  The centres also gave medical support (including psychological help), legal support, training courses to help residents develop an economic activity, and workshops/lectures on human rights, sexuality, handling of stress and self esteem.

In addition, FEMU organised training workshops, roundtables and seminars to raise public awareness among local authorities and the general public, about the serious problems arising out of domestic violence.  38 FEMU members are working on this project.