The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in domestic violence cases in the country and across the world. However, last year saw a decline in domestic violence cases in the country. As per the statistics maintained by Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW), domestic violence cases reduced to 555 last year from more than 700 cases the year earlier.
In 2021, RENEW received more than 700 domestic violence cases. The cases were reduced by about 200 last year.
According to officials at RENEW, the decline in the number of domestic violence cases can be attributed to the lifting of COVID-19 prevention measures like lockdowns.
Officials are also positive that awareness and advocacy programmes carried out on domestic violence, and gender equality among others have proved successful.
Under domestic violence, there are several classifications like physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and economic abuse.
According to RENEW, emotional abuse and physical abuse are the leading domestic violence cases. RENEW also received about 20 cases where the clients were male.
“We face several challenges like the perpetrators not willing to turn up when we follow up on the cases. Then there is also the issue of poor referral mechanism where clients are not properly referred to the relevant agency,” said Suman Pradhan, Senior Counsellor of RENEW.
The RENEW counsellor said they are looking forward to enhancing advocacy programmes and their services.
Today, RENEW provides different services like shelter homes, legal aid, medical aid, and livelihood training.
Kinley Dem
Edited by Sherub Dorji
