Violence against women and children rose by five percent in 2015 compared to the year before with at least 15 persons falling victim every day, says a report of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA).

Moreover, rape rose by 35 percent, torture for dowry by 28 percent and sexual harassment, including stalking, by 24 percent while 1,847 women and children were killed and 301 committed suicide after falling victim to violence, it said.

A summary of "Presentation of Information on Violence against Women and Children in 2015 in Bangladesh and Our Responsibilities", based on 14 leading national dailies, was made public through a press conference in the capital's Jatiya Press Club yesterday.

However, torture on domestic helps, fatwa and acid violence decreased by 56 percent, 43 percent and 22 percent respectively, the report said. 

Expressing satisfaction over the verdicts in the Rajon and Rakib murder cases in Sylhet and Khulna respectively, it said 193 children were murdered.

It observed that rape saw a geometric progression in the last couple of years with 1,069 women and children falling victim last year and 72 of them being murdered afterwards.

It cited Indian Social Welfare Board's report, saying 20,000 women and children were trafficked to the neighbouring country each year through 18 routes.

It also cited Bangladesh Police Headquarters, saying 21,722 cases were filed, a two percent increase from 2014.

"There is no visible change to the overall situation regarding violence aganist women and children although legal structures were strengthened in the last two decades. Society's negative attitudes are triggering the violence," observed the organisation.

Executive Director Salma Ali spoke with President Fauzia Karim in the chair.