The growing problem of violence against women, and persecution of women
human rights defenders and victims of human rights violations remains
pervasive throughout the world. Many of our members live in politically
challenged environments, putting them at risk and are experiencing
restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, threats to
their lives, intimidation and harassment for speaking out against
violations of women and women’s human rights.
Violence against women is any act of gender-based violence that results
in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or
suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or
arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in
private life. There are many forms of violence against women, including
sexual, physical, or emotional abuse by an intimate partner; physical or
sexual abuse by family members or others; sexual harassment and abuse
by authority figures (such as teachers, police officers or employers);
trafficking for forced labor or sex; and such traditional practices as
forced or child marriages, dowry-related violence; and honor killings,
when women are murdered in the name of family honor. Systematic sexual
abuse in conflict situations is another form of violence against women.
Therefore, violence against women is a violation of women’s rights. It
is increasing at an alarming rate. There are several reports on
incidences of violence against women including suicide and the murder
and different cases of violence remain unnoticed. These violence cases
are unheard. There is no social support mechanism for the survivors from
the government. As a result, the situation forces women to live under
abusive situation, face physical violence, get murdered or finally
commit suicide. The roots of VAW lie in persistent discrimination
against women. In Nepali society, semi-feudal and patriarchal structure,
superstitions and illiteracy among women, as well as poverty and
marginalization of women are the factors accelerating the cases of VAW
at large. At the same time, impunity in the state and weak enforcement
of law are also responsible for VAW.
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