By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, June 12: At a time when the country is under the coronavirus pandemic-induced restriction, the cases of domestic and gender-based violence have continued to rise. The matter is so severe that even while staying in quarantine, some women have reported a range of abuses.
The latest data on gender-based violence shows the country has been witnessing an alarming rise in such violence.
A compilation and analysis of the complaints recorded by Women Rehabilitation Center (WOREC) revealed that some 200 cases of violence against women (VAW) and girls were reported from April 29 to May 29 this year.
Of the total cases of violence perpetuated against women and children reported in that period, 90 cases (45 %) are related to domestic violence.
Over that period, 45 rape cases, two attempt to rape, six cases of sexual abuse, 15 cases of social violence, 14 murders, five attempt to murder, four cases of suicide, two cases of trafficking and 14 other forms of violence were reported.
Of the total cases of domestic violence, 76 per cent have been committed by husbands and 24 per cent by family members.
This shows that women and girls are more vulnerable to violence inside their homes than anywhere else, and that 17-to-25-year-old women are at high risk of such violence.
“There’s no doubt that the government is working at all levels to protect the people from the pandemic. However, it must not turn a blind eye to the violence meted out against women,” said Lubaraj Neupane, WOREC Executive Director.
He added that the main responsibility of the government is to protect its citizens from all kinds of risks, whether that is violence, injustice or whatever and that at the same time, providing needed support to the victims is also its major responsibility.
Facts and studies show that own family members, close relatives or neighbours abuse the women, said Neupane.
“Acknowledging the fact that women and girls are at high risk of violence, it is important to assure them that the government is always there for them and that it is committed to ending all sorts of violence and discrimination in all circumstances,” Neupane advised.