Violence against women remains underreported scourge, activists say

By Admin 13 Sep 2023

DMG Newsroom
13 September 2023, Sittwe
 
There were at least 40 cases of violence against women reported in Arakan State from January to September 4, according to women’s activist organisations.
 
Six cases — three from Rathedaung, two from Sittwe and one from Buthidaung — were reported to the Rakhaing Women’s Initiative Organization (RWIO) from January to August of this year and has consulted on about 15 other cases.
 
“Domestic violence against women has not decreased in Arakan State year by year,” said Saw San Nyein Thu, chairwoman of the RWIO.
 
Among the cases reported to the RWIO are cases of verbal abuse, beatings to the point of injury, and some cases of beatings that have resulted in death, she added.
 
From January to September 4, 17 cases of domestic violence against women from Sittwe Township were reported to the RWIO.
 
“Among the cases reported to the RWIO are cases where husbands have concubines, do not provide enough money for the women at home, fool around outside the home, and abandon their pregnancies without taking responsibility,” said Saw Ma Pu Sein, an RWIO official.
 
Women’s rights activists note that domestic violence is often coupled with drug abuse, alcoholism and economic hardship.
 
There were 37 cases of violence against women reported in Sittwe Township in 2022, according to figures compiled by the RWIO.
 
Female reporting of domestic violence is still underreported in Arakan State due to intimidation and lack of knowledge, say women’s activists.
 
“Mostly, women are tolerant,” said Saw Ma Pu Sein. “Women are worried about how they will make a living if they are separated from their husbands because of domestic violence against them.”
 
Women subjected to domestic violence can seek legal remedy via Sections 294, 354, 323 and 376 of the Penal Code.
 
“Women don’t have to be weak if they are subjected to domestic violence,”said Daw May Shin, a woman from Magyimyaing Ward in Sittwe. “Women who have been subjected to domestic violence should carefully consult with relevant organisations and work to rebuild their lives. Victims of violence should not always live with trauma.”