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6 of every 10 women face domestic violence

6 of every 10 women face domestic violence

author avatar
6 Mar 2019 - 16:16
6 of every 10 women face domestic violence
author avatar
6 Mar 2019 - 16:16

KABUL (Pajhwok): Six of every 10 women are facing domestic violence and two of them attempt suicide, reveals a survey conducted in five provinces of Afghanistan.

The survey was conducted by Majma — a coalition of civil society groups — in Kabul, Balkh, Nangarhar, Bamyan and Herat province. Around 1,925 people were asked about the issue.

Of the respondents, 72 percent were women and men. Group discussions with experts and government officials were held to dig into factors behind violence against women.

Different types of violence against women, including abuse by their husbands, relatives and in-laws, were investigated.

According to the survey, women face different types of violence.

Nelab Azizi, hailing from the Qala-i-Zaman Khan area of Kabul, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “I have been married for six years. However, I haven’t yet seen a good day. My husband, a teacher, has been subjecting me to violence.

“Beatings and verbal clashes have been his habit. But I’m forced to live with him,” Nelab alleged, complaining she was being beaten for no cogent reason.

Couples are called best friends and life partners, who should fight together against adversities and share their grief and joys. The survey, however, indicates husbands commit the most of violence against their wives.

Factors behind violence

Disrespect toward in-laws, husbands’ joblessness, anger and addiction, women’s refusal to do household chores, marriage as a tool of dispute settlement and forced marriage are some of the factors behind domestic violence.

Vast differences of age, faith and class, unbecoming conduct of husbands, quarrels with in-laws, giving birth to baby girls and infertility are also linked to violence against women.

Investigations imply that in some instances violence forced women to commit suicide

Suraya (not a real name), 22, a resident of the Ghoryan district of Herat, complained family forced her into marriage against her wish. She has thrice attempted suicide.

“One day, I consumed 10 strips of Paracetamol tablets but they evacuated me to hospital and I did not die. For a second time, I took another drug but survived again.

“Later on, I cut some veins in my wrist. However, my family rescued me and married me off to a man I don’t like,” she recalled.

Another woman from Khair Khana area, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Not only my husband has been cruel, but also my sister-in-laws has also made life miserable for me.”

She would like to set herself alight but could not do so because of her children. She won’t seek divorce from husband as she does not want her children to fall on bad times.

The survey indicates the government has taken no action to effectively address cases of violence against women.

However, the Attorney General Office (AGO) says as many as 7,246 cases of violence against women have been addressed by courts during the past three years.

Amanullah Eman, the AGO spokesman, says the cases of violence against women were addressed by 28 exclusive courts in Kabul and 27 in provinces during the period. Similar proceedings will take place in the remaining six provinces as well.

 

sa/mud

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