Alarming Domestic Violence Statistics Revealed During 16-Day Campaign Against VAW in Nepal

Startling figures have emerged from the 16-day campaign against violence against women (VAW) in Nepal, revealing that a staggering 80 per cent of gender-based violence (GBV) incidents are attributed to domestic violence. The data, released by Nepal Police as part of the ongoing campaign, sheds light on the pervasive issue of violence within homes.

According to the statistics, 53 per cent of reported domestic violence cases involve physical abuse, while 47 per cent are instances of mental violence. Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Manoj Kumar KC, from the Directorate of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens Services, expressed concern over the fact that 89 per cent of women and girls subjected to violence are targeted by individuals known to them.

“It is unfortunate that women and girls are experiencing violence at the hands of people they know. Active community participation is crucial to prevent such incidents,” stated SSP Dr Manoj Kumar KC.

Further analysis of the data reveals that a significant portion of domestic violence cases, 67 per cent, occurs between spouses. Over the past year, the police registered 16,519 cases of domestic violence and 4,394 cases of other gender-based violence. Shockingly, the age group most affected is girls between 11 to 16 years old, constituting 63 per cent of the victims. Meanwhile, 38 per cent of the perpetrators fall within the age range of 10 to 25 years old.

The data also exposes the methods employed by perpetrators, with 50 per cent resorting to violence through fear and threats, 35 per cent luring victims with gifts, and 14 per cent making promises of marriage.

Ranju Sigdel, Superintendent of Police at the Directorate, highlighted the disturbing trend that 89 per cent of the violence is perpetrated by individuals known to the victims. This includes 12 per cent by family members, nearly 23 per cent by neighbors, and 0.46 per cent by teachers.

As Nepal grapples with these distressing statistics, there is a growing call for concerted efforts from the community, law enforcement, and support organizations to address the root causes of domestic violence and create a safer environment for women and girls. The 16-day campaign against VAW aims to raise awareness and promote collective action to eliminate gender-based violence in all its forms.