Violence Against Women still on rise

  A shelter set up at Liwang in the district has been providing temporary rehabilitation to the women and children who faced domestic violence.

A total of 74 persons had taken shelter till end of Jestha this fiscal year. Among them, 45 were women and 29 children. They had come to the shelter with their children- all in a bid to seek relief and justice.

Similarly, the District Police Office, Rolpa received 73 complaints of domestic violence and 12 of gender-based violence. Among them, 69 cases were settled in reconciliation by holding discussion with both sides.

Fourteen among them were forwarded to the related agency for initiating divorce. In the last fiscal year, the police had received 99 complaints of domestic violence and 8 of gender- based violence. Among them, 78 complaints were settled in reconciliation, while 11 are yet to be addressed.

In last fiscal year, the Women and Children Service Centre of District Police Office recorded 88 cases of domestic violence where 10 were gender-based violence. Among them, 65 were sorted out in agreement while 20 forwarded to the District Court for divorce case.

The record showed a total of 113 complaints in previous year. It is said such complaints are lodged by only those who are educated and have access to police administration. So, many victims of domestic violence are out of the access to justice in the district.

The shelter is run by local Sagarmatha Women Saving and Credit Cooperatives. Cooperative's Chairperson Tulasha Acharya said the shelter was established to provide relief and counseling to the women who have suffered bullying, threats and been ostracized from the family. "Some VAW victims have the complaints of serious nature," she said, adding that those suffering minor violence are provided temporary rehabilitation and some are even sent to hospital for treatment.

The toll free numbers 1145 set by National Women Commission, and 104 by Nepal Police are operative round-the-clock cater service to the women facing violence. In the district level as well, a mechanism has been set up by the women network, which relays information on the violence against women, according to rights activist Tirtha Acharya. All sides concerned and human rights defenders should work in unison to ensure justice to the VAW victims.

A psychosocial counselor Dil Kumari Budhamagar observed, "Domestic violence has resulted in family split, which has direct impact on children. The victims of husband-wife conflict are obviously the children." She further said most of the children experiencing family dispute and violence are losing their education, health and psychosocial wellbeing. Lack of proper nutrition while being away from home may cause serious health hazards.

Budhamagar shared that most of the women were beaten up by the husbands under influence of alcohol.