The rise of domestic violence amid the implementation of lockdown measures in Nepal

The rise of domestic violence amid the implementation of lockdown measures in Nepal

Source: https://www.nepalnews.com.np/s/issues/banke-sees-an-increase-on-violence-against-women. 

Nepal’s second wave of COVID-19 lockdown has severely affected women. There has been a rise when it comes to the abuse of women by their own relatives and acquaintances. It was reported that violence against women and children at age 7 till 55 has been increasing every day, especially in the Banke district, Nepal. According to Rama Shirish, the Information Officer of the District Police Office, a total of 662 cases in 2021 have been registered and 191 incidents are currently investigated. Despite these rising numbers, the Government of Nepal has not incorporated gender-sensitive issues into its pandemic response policies. Thus, most perpetrators escape the persecution under the Nepali criminal justice system. Additionally, funds to women’s rights organisations are minimised and even removed during the pandemic.