Spike in violence against women

We note with concern that the number of reported incidents of violence against women has risen in the country. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a human rights organisation, reported that as many as 1,378 women in the country have become victims of different kinds of abuses this year so far—nearly 15 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

The report by ASK also reveals that incidents of rape and attempted rape make up nearly half of all the reported cases. A large number of women reported having suffered domestic violence. These statistics are shameful. That a woman is not safe even in her own home is unacceptable.

Indeed, the fact that more women now speak out about the repression they undergo at home and outside and many cases of such incidents have garnered widespread public attention owing to social media, is relieving. However, many cases still go unreported because of the stigma attached to it. Thus we fear that even the daunting picture portrayed by ASK does not reveal the full extent of what our women face—be it at home, workplace or outside.

If anything, the data speaks volumes about our inability to curb violence against women. We must encourage women to come forward and speak up. We must break the so-called societal taboo that leads to women being shunned when they do not stay silent. The more women have to remain silent the more impunity the perpetrators will enjoy. Our collective efforts to counter this deplorable phenomenon must include creating an environment in which a woman feels welcome to break her silence.