Violence against women, children rising: Study

Incidents of violence against women and children have increased, even amid the Covid-19 situation.

Around 13,494 women and children faced violence in the last month across the country, according to a survey conducted by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).

Among the victims, 11,323 were women and 2,171 children. And some 4,160 people became victim for the first time during this time.

The rate of violence against women and children increased by 31 percent in May compared to data of April 2020.

The MJF came up with this finding from a survey titled "Telephone Survey on Violence against Women and Children: Covid-19."

The survey report was shared through a virtual press briefing on Wednesday.

Citing data received from telephonic conversation with 53,340 victims from 53 districts, MJF said 19 children were killed in May.

Besides, 19 others were raped and 18 rape attempts were made. Moreover, 3 others were sexually harassed while receiving food or other supports.

Twenty-one children were kidnapped in May, and 1,621 faced domestic torture. Besides, 67 faced violence at workplace as well.

According to the study, 170 were victims of child marriage while partner NGOs of MJF have stopped 233 marriages during this time.

According to MJF, 92 per cent of children were abused by their parents and relatives.

Again, 11,025 women faced domestic violence in May. Among those, 404 were sexually tortured, while 4,947 were tortured mentally. A total of 3,589 were victims of economic torture (taking away money forcefully by their husbands and relatives) while 2,085 became victim of physical torture.

Further, 233 women were sexually harassed during the time while 48 were raped or faced rape attempt.

Seventeen women were killed in that month.

MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam has expressed grave concern over the rising violence against women and children.

She urged the government to put more emphasis on prevention of domestic violence alongside focusing other necessities.

To control violence against women and children, MJF recommends prioritising this issue in national Covid-19 response plan, arranging shelter for the women who have to leave home due to violence, and taking up more cases on virtual courts and special tribunals.