Women Violence against women, particularly spousal abuse, is widespread and increasing, according to the Ministry of Women's Rights and Family Welfare, attorneys, and NGO's. In 1995 the number of reported cases of domestic violence against women rose to 966 compared with 425 in 1994. The Government is working to increase awareness of the problem and to provide relief for victims by providing counseling and temporary shelter. It is also promulgating a law that would specifically address domestic violence. There are no special legal provisions concerning family violence.
Police are generally reluctant to become involved in cases of spousal abuse.
Women have traditionally occupied a subordinate role in society, and societal discrimination continues. Nearly half of Mauritian women work outside the home. The Government placed strong emphasis on the health and welfare of children, and displayed a commitment to expand educational opportunities for children. Reported incidents of child abuse are infrequent and isolated, although private voluntary organizations claim that the problem is more widespread than publicly acknowledged. At present, most government programs are administered by the state-funded National Children's Council, which provides counseling and investigates reports of child abuse as well as remedial action to protect affected children.