Violence against girls & women continues

“Violence against women is an appalling human rights violation. But it is not inevitable. We can put a stop to this.”-- Nicole Kidman, film actress 

It is disparaging news that despite massive awareness building campaigns carried out across the country violence against young girls and women has increased over the past few years in the country, with dowry remaining a major cause and contributor.

According to Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP), number of rapes in the country was 307 in 2008; 393 in 2009; 593 in 2010; 635 in 2011; 508 in 2012; 696 in 2013, and 544 in the last 10 months this year.  

"Rape has been a major tool of violence, and women are being tortured brutally before and after rape. The perpetrators do it to strike fear into people's minds," said Ayesha Khanam, president of BMP recently while sharing information with media.  

The finding of a research paper shows that a culture of impunity, apathy of law enforcers and administration, social and political unrest, drug addiction and a lack of awareness are major contributors to the malaise.

In another report, Khan Foundation showed in its survey report that out of 806 cases on trafficking and violence against women and children in the last 10 months this year, 197 were dowry-related violence. It further revealed that every year many young women commit suicide or face physical torture after marriage.

The foundation also reported 80 incidents of physical and mental torture, 32 of child marriage, 42 of trafficking, and 10 incidents of stalking.

Women leaders and activists placed forward some demands that include formulation of a national policy and a comprehensive plan of action, amendments to and strict enforcement of existing laws, women's easy access to justice, implementation of the women development policy and an increase in the budget for victim support centres.

There are many treaties and acts such as: Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW),Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), Violence Against Women (VAW) etc. Also Penal Code (XLV of 1860) contains provisions that defined torture, causing injury, abduction, murder, defamation etc. as punishable offences.

The dowry prohibition (Act XXXV of 1980) prohibits giving, taking, demanding dowry at the time of marriage and thereafter. Domestic violence (prevention and protection) (Act LIV of 2010) also provides for exhaustive provisions in dealing with issues relating to domestic violence. Likewise, Suppression of Human Trafficking Act 2011, Suppression of Acid Crimes Act 2000 also deal with the heinous and cruel forms of VAW. Legal Aid Act 2000 offers legal aid facilities for the disenfranchised including victims of VAW. But despite having such laws and acts, violence against women goes on.

It has often been said that the police are not proactive in producing witnesses and shortage of investigating officer is another factor that comes in the way of availing legal aid. As there is no guarantee of safety at home often victims or witnesses do not have the courage to testify against hardened criminals in case of murder, rape, trafficking, abduction and so on.

Mr. Mustafizur Rahman, Deputy Secretary (District Judge), Law and Justice Division, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs said in a meeting at The Daily Star that the culture of silence among VAW victims is very strong as women wait and compromise until the last moment.

Tariq-ul-Islam, Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs said in the same meeting, “In our ministry, we have a Nari O Shishu Nirjaton Protirodh Cell where we collect information from the police headquarters and our administrative channels.