Law Commons^™

    Imagine that a close friend is raped, and you encourage her to report it to the police. At first, she thinks that the police are taking her report seriously, but the investigation does not seem to move forward.  The next thing she knows, they accuse her of lying and ultimately file charges against her.  You and your friend are in shock; this outcome never entered your minds. This nightmare may seem inconceivable, but it has in fact occurred repeatedly in both the United States and Britain – countries that are typically lauded for their high levels of gender equality. …

This article analyzes the intertwined practices of female genital mutilation, child marriage, domestic violence, and bride price in Tanzania. It argues that these different types of violence reinforce one another. Interventions must therefore address the problems together, as multiple manifestations of gender-based violence. The article makes recommendations for reform.