#DomesticViolence: Home is most unsafe place for women, says UN
A disturbing report released by the United Nations says out of the total number of women killed around the world last year, 58% were murdered by their family members or intimate partners for dowry and/or 'honor-related' matters. As far as areas are concerned, Asia reported the maximum number of such murdered women (unsurprisingly?), while Oceania (comprising Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia) recorded the least.
Report marked International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released the study 'Global Study on Homicide: Gender-related Killing of Women and Girls' on November 25, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It analyzed the violence perpetrated against women worldwide in 2017.
Over a third women intentionally killed by former/current partner
The report further said that in 2017, 87,000 women were murdered all across the globe. Of that, more than half or 50,000 were killed by family members or intimate partners. Over a third or around 30,000 were intentionally killed, either by a former partner or the current one, states the report, meaning six women got killed every hour by someone they knew.
In 5 years, 11% rise in female-homicides committed by kin/partner
In a day, some 137 women were killed, which makes home the "the most dangerous place for women," as per the conclusion by the UNODC report. Some chilling revelations were also made by the report, which said that violence against women has increased in the last half decade. In 2012, 47% of female homicides were committed by their kin or partner/spouse, 11% less.
Domestic violence affects men too, but women face more risk
Death due to domestic violence isn't limited to women, said the report, as 18% of intimate partner homicide victims are men, but women face the risk much more. "While the vast majority of homicide victims are men, women continue to pay the highest price as a result of gender inequality, discrimination and negative stereotypes," said Yury Fedotov, UNODC Executive Director.
Maximum number of murdered women in Asia, least in Oceania
Region wise, Asia clocked the maximum number of female homicides, where the perpetrator is a kin or a partner, at 20,000, followed by Africa (19,000), Americas (8,000), Europe (3,000) and Oceania (300). Notably, Africa's homicide rate is 3.1% per 10,000 female population. This means, the women in the continent face the greatest risk to be killed by a person known to them.
Violence against women cases under reported: UN report
The report also notes that violence against women is mostly under reported. It can be attributed to "fear of reprisals, economic and psychological dependence, anticipation that the police will not take the charges seriously and viewing the assault as a private matter," the report states. However, "This year, together with you, we aim to support all," emphasizes Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director, UN Women.
Mark of shame on all our societies, says angry Guterres
Condemning the findings, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, "Violence against women and girls is the manifestation of a profound lack of respect." "It's a moral affront to all women and girls, a mark of shame on all our societies and a major obstacle to inclusive, equitable and sustainable development. It's a failure by men to recognize the inherent equality, dignity of women," he added.
