4,315 women and children victims of violence in Aug-Sept: MJF

Some 4,315 women and children became victims of violence during August-September, following withdrawal of coronavirus-induced shutdown and resumption of regular activities. Of them, 99 percent were victims of domestic violence. Fifty-six percent included women abused by their husbands, and children by their parents. Other family members and in-laws were also among perpetrators.

It was found that among all perpetrators, 89 were addicts, followed by miscreants (72) and employers (53). Political party activists, students and supervisors, and socially powerful people were also among perpetrators.

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) interviewed a total of 72,645 people in 174 upazilas under 59 districts during August and September to find out how women and children were doing in the current situation. Of them, 46,521 are women and rest children. It was found that a total of 4,428 incidents of domestic violence occurred during the period. Of these incidents, 1,980 were victims of mental abuse, 1,244 were victims of physical abuse, 1,164 were victims of economic abuse and 40 were victims of sexual harassment.

A total of 1,081 children became victims of violence during this period. Among them, 636 are girls and rest boys. Disconcertingly, 77 percent of the children were victims of domestic violence. There were new victims during the same time -- 1,767 were women and 872 children. The rate of new victims was 81 percent for children and 55 percent for women during these two months.

Through 96 partner NGOs, MJF conducted this survey with the funding support of FCDO, SIDA and Global Affairs Canada, to prevent domestic and other forms of violence against women and children. MJF and partner NGOs also provided counselling, follow-up for delivery of services, communication support, medical and legal assistance to local leaders, including children and women victims of violence.

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