Rapes, suicides went up in July: MSF

Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (Foundation for Human Rights Culture) claims that instances of rape and suicide have increased at an alarming rate though the total number of cases of violence against women and children in the country has gone down from June to July.

This claim was made in MSF’s July monitoring report on violence against women, children, drugs, and online gambling, published on Friday.

The report cited articles published in several national dailies and news portals.
According to MSF, cases of reported violence against women and children fell from 320 in June to 306 in July.

However, during the same period, the number of rape cases increased from 68 to 90 and suicide cases from 17 to 28. Sexual assault and harassment cases also increased from 21 to 22.

On the other hand, gang rape cases decreased from 16 to seven, murders after rape from five to three, physical abuse of women from 56 to 42, and murders from 76 to 52.

Kidnappings and disappearances increased from 12 to 13. There was one acid attack each in June and July.

MSF said that while the overall number of incidents has decreased, the pattern of violence against women and children is becoming more complex and alarming.

In particular, the high rates of rape and suicide indicate a culture of insecurity, social pressure and impunity for violence against women and children, the organisation said.

The report states that in July, three criminal offences were settled locally through arbitration. Of these, two were attempted rapes, and one was rape.

However, the settlement of such serious offences through arbitration encourages a culture of distrust in the justice system and impunity, MSF said.

The report also touched on online gambling and drugs. It says that while no one was killed or injured in online gambling-related incidents in July, 10 people were arrested. There were no such arrests in June. This indicates an increase in law enforcement activity during the period.

However, the organisation warned that the spread of online gambling is increasing the risk of economic exploitation, domestic violence, mental health crises and cybercrime among young people.

Meanwhile, despite increased anti-narcotics activity by law enforcers in July, the report said that allegations of police involvement in the drug trade have raised new concerns.

According to MSF, such allegations raise questions about the transparency and accountability of drug control efforts.