Kathmandu, December 21

Reports of violence against women continued to make headlines throughout the year.

According to a report by Women’s Rehabilitation Center, Nepal, 73 per cent women suffered from domestic violence, 9 per cent sexual violence and rape and 1 per cent were trafficked to various countries for forced labour and prostitution from January to mid-December.

Most of these victims were between the ages of 16 and 25 years. Statistics indicate that violence against women is common in the Tarai region.

Rekha Jha, a women’s group activist, said women in Tarai still faced domestic violence. They experience physical and mental torture from their husband and family members but lack the courage to lodge complaints.

“Although we have tried to raise awareness against violence, they make a stand for themselves which makes it very difficult for us to rescue them,” said Jha. Domestic violence have pushed many helpless, desperate women over the edge; causing at least 12 women to commit suicide in Rukum.

“To change our society, women must be empowered at home first,” said President of WOREC, Renu Adhikari.

Addressing the National Consultative Workshop on Eliminating Violence against Women, she said even the police or other authority figure should be punished if they were unwilling help victims.