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Editorial

Pandemic worsening gender-based violence

It is time to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against violence against women


Bangladeshpost
Published : 15 Dec 2020 11:09 PM | Updated : 16 Dec 2020 02:31 AM

It is disconcerting to note that the pandemic is "exacerbating" the pre-existing gender-based violence (GBV) in the Asia-Pacific region and is "likely to deepen inequalities.

As reported by this daily on Tuesday, the pandemic is limiting the GBV survivors’ ability to distance themselves from their abusers and accessing life-saving services. Gender based violence continues to remain pervasive in Asian countries including Bangladesh.

The pandemic has resulted in an increase in cases of violence against women. Home isolation, vital to the fight against the pandemic, is giving more power to the abuser. Movement restrictions aimed to stop the spread of the coronavirus is making violence in homes more frequent, more severe and more dangerous.

We love to take pride in the success of women, but are we doing enough to protect our female counterparts from the evils of our society? The increase in cases of violence against women provides us with a cynical answer to this question.


Spreading awareness about the importance 

of reporting incidents of abuse has become 

pertinent to end violence against women


Violence against women is a common phenomenon in our country. Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation. Reportedly, one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence mostly by an intimate partner.

It needs no emphasising that diminishing social and family values and a culture of impunity are the primary reasons behind rising trend in violence against women. On top of that, because of social stigma associated with sexual violence, many of the incidents go unreported.

Considering the situation, spreading awareness about the importance of reporting incidents of abuse has become pertinent to end violence against women. We need to raise public awareness on recognising and preventing all forms of abuse. We need to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against violence against women and authorities concerned should integrate tough legal measures to prosecute violators. Last but not least, in order to end violence against women, streamlining better processes to facilitate complaints and provide counselling and medical help are imperative.