Violence against women in 2016
Arecent Brac study has found that at least 7,489 women and girls became victims of violence in 2016. The study gets more worrying: 20 percent of the victims of violence against women are children, and that each day, on average, 1.7 children were victims of rape last year. The figures are shameful and disturbing, and paint a dismal combined picture of the numerous individual instances of rape, violence and sexual harassment that we see reported almost every day.
It has also been stated that many cases go unreported; therefore the figure of 7489 does not even show the full extent of the problem. That there has been a sharp increase in violence against women is evident; the total number of cases in 2014 was 2,873. It also seems our efforts to curb domestic violence have failed; eighty-two percent of the violence occurred in the domestic sphere according to the study.
Why this disturbing trend despite government and non-government efforts? Clearly there is a lack of implementation of law. We need gender sensitive institutions and quick disposal of these cases. Impunity is another factor which not only hinders justice, but also makes victims and their families fear filing cases. The debate and activism has been there; what is lacking is a concerted sincere effort on the part of administration and the law enforcement agencies. On top of speedy implementation of the laws, policy reforms towards gender sensitivity and education to instill respect towards women from the school level is needed. Implementation and proper knowledge of the law is crucial. We can only ask that the authorities take the Brac study seriously and work towards a country where women need not fear violence in every step of their lives.
Comments