Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 06 2008:
From 2005 to the month of October, 2008, the rate of violence against women was highest from January to October this year.
According to a statement issued by the Women Action for Development (WAD) in connection with the International Fortnight Protesting Violence Against Women and Children, the rate of violence committed against women is the highest this year as compared to the last few years.
The record of violence against women collected by the WAD is based on dailies published in the State.
During January to October this year, there were 153 cases of domestic and social violence against women.
Of these 16 cases were rape, 17 murder, nine molestation, 10 suicide, 58 assault, burnt three and lost 17.Moreover, there were 10 complaints seeking justice.
In the previous year (2007), the figures were 12 rape cases, 12 murder, 10 molestation, 8 suicide, 22 assault, one burnt, loss 6 and 26 cases of complaints.
The total number violence against women was 99 .
In 2006, the figures stood as 14 rape, 17 murder, 4 molestation, 10 suicide, 19 assault, one burnt, loss 19 and 20 complaints putting the total number at 105 .
In 2005 the total number of violence against women was 117.From July to October this year, there were cases of trafficking 41 girls and 21 boys.
The WAD report further said that both the State Govt and civil societies do not respond sincerely and boldly to the various cases of violence related to gender inequality.
Moreover, there are several weaknesses and lapses in Family Courts of Manipur, it mentioned.
Women also suffer violence due to HIV/AIDS, armed conflict and ethnic conflict cases.
On the occasion of the fortnight long observation, WAD further appealed to both the State and non-State actors to stop violence against women and children and to abide by relevant national and international laws.